Ahead of the 2027 general elections, presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, has outlined security, economic growth and social development as key priorities of his campaign, promising to address challenges affecting Nigerians.
Obi stated this during a town hall meeting with residents and supporters in Jos, Plateau State, where he discussed his plans on insecurity, poverty reduction, education, healthcare and electoral accountability.
The former Anambra State governor said his administration would focus on moving Nigeria from a consumption-based economy to a production-driven economy capable of creating jobs and expanding opportunities.
“Our determination is to unite Nigeria, secure Nigeria and pull people out of poverty. That is why we said we are going to move Nigeria from consumption to production,” Obi said.
He identified insecurity as one of the biggest challenges limiting economic activities, especially in farming communities where residents have been unable to access their lands because of attacks.
Obi promised to strengthen the country’s security system and ensure that Nigerians can carry out their daily activities without fear of kidnapping, violence or other criminal activities.
He also pledged to prioritise the return of internally displaced persons to their communities, saying no Nigerian should remain in an IDP camp because of insecurity.
“If any Nigerian remains in an IDP camp, we have failed. Once one Nigerian is in an IDP camp, the entire Nigeria is in an IDP camp. People must return to their homes,” he said.
On the economy, Obi promised better support for small and medium-sized enterprises through improved access to credit, arguing that businesses must be empowered to create employment.
He further promised increased investment in education through more classrooms and teachers, as well as improved healthcare services through stronger primary healthcare centres.
The NDC candidate also called on Nigerians to actively participate in the electoral process by ensuring their votes are counted, recorded and transmitted during the 2027 elections.
He said leadership should be based on listening to citizens and addressing their everyday challenges rather than making promises only during election seasons.