The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) has intensified its preparations for the 2027 general election, unveiling its national secretariat in Abuja.
The party also inaugurated its presidential campaign council and declared an uncompromising push for political change, as the Presidential Candidate, Peter Obi promised a war on corruption and measurable improvements in governance, while the party’s campaign advisory chief, Babachir David Lawal, warned against electoral malpractice and violence. Nigerian Banking Launch
The twin messages of economic rescue and electoral vigilance defined the party’s activities on Monday, following its Third National Executive Committee meeting and the inauguration of its newly acquired national headquarters at 393 Etang Obuli Crescent, Jabi, Abuja.
At a dinner held to mark the occasion, Obi, who is running with Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso as his vice-presidential candidate, pledged to confront insecurity, poverty, unemployment and the rising cost of living, insisting that an NDC administration would prioritise results over political blame games.
Lawal, chairman of the NDC Campaign Advisory Council, reinforced the party’s determination to win the presidential election, declaring that the country had reached a critical juncture and could not afford further regression.
‘Nigeria is at a point where going backwards is not possible while going forward is replete with difficulties. But going forward we must,’ he said in his address at the inauguration of the party’s election committees.
The developments signal the beginning of a more structured nationwide campaign by the NDC, which is seeking to position itself as an alternative to the administration of President Bola Tinubu, with a platform built around accountability, economic recovery, security and improved public services. Read Economics
Obi puts corruption, economic recovery at heart of campaign
Obi made the fight against corruption a central pillar of his presidential campaign, arguing that public resources must be deployed for the benefit of citizens rather than diverted through corrupt practices.
‘We must stop people from stealing public money. We must use public money for the public good. And that will be seen, it will be shown,’ he said.
The former Anambra State governor questioned the outcomes of increased government revenue and borrowing under the Tinubu administration, challenging the federal government to provide a detailed account of its expenditure, projects and achievements.
He also alleged that implementation of the 2023, 2024 and 2025 budgets was poor, claiming that capital expenditure remained below 20 per cent and that contractors were experiencing payment difficulties.
Obi argued that Nigerians needed a government capable of addressing current challenges rather than repeatedly explaining their origins.
‘The purpose of governance is to solve problems, not to blame people. Kwankwaso and I will not blame anybody. We will create that new Nigeria that is possible,’ he said. Nigerian Banking Launch
He maintained that an NDC government would insist on accountability from public officeholders and ensure that anyone found culpable of corruption answered in accordance with the law.
Security, agriculture and power top emergency agenda
Beyond corruption, Obi outlined emergency interventions in security, agriculture, education, healthcare and electricity, promising that the proposed administration would establish measurable targets and pursue implementation from its first day in office.
On security, he said the president must demonstrate direct leadership in responding to emergencies and visit communities affected by violence, kidnapping and other threats.
‘If they say there is a problem in Jos, he will go to Jos,’ Obi said, adding that affected states, including Plateau, Benue, Zamfara, Sokoto and Borno, would receive attention.
He also pledged to declare an emergency in agriculture, particularly in northern Nigeria, where insecurity has disrupted farming and restricted access to productive land.
‘We have vast land in the north. When we secure the north, our farmers must go back and produce what we eat and what we use for our industries,’ he said.
The NDC candidate linked agricultural recovery to lower food prices, reduced hunger, job creation and stronger domestic production, arguing that restoring security in farming communities would be critical to rebuilding the economy.
On electricity, he promised emergency measures across generation, transmission and distribution, describing reliable power supply as indispensable to industrial revival and employment growth.
‘We will declare emergency on generation, transmission, and distribution,’ he said.
Obi also called for the revival of manufacturing industries, citing the decline of industrial activity in Kano as an example of the wider challenges confronting the productive sector. He argued that Nigeria must move away from an economy driven by consumption and borrowing towards one that creates jobs, expands production and earns sustainable income. Nigerian Banking Launch
SMEs to receive more than 20% of credit
Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) also featured prominently in the NDC’s economic proposals, with Obi promising improved access to financing, tax relief and incentives for businesses.
Citing figures indicating that Nigeria has more than 40 million SMEs but that they receive less than five per cent of bank lending, he pledged that an NDC administration would ensure that more than 20 per cent of credit went to small businesses.Nigerian Banking Launch