Presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, has pledged sweeping reforms in security, power, healthcare, education and job creation after formally accepting the party’s nomination ahead of the 2027 general election.
Speaking at the party’s convention in Abuja on Saturday, Obi said Nigeria was facing one of the most difficult periods in its history but expressed confidence that the country could overcome its challenges through purposeful leadership and national unity.
The former Anambra State governor said his ambition was not about personal political aspirations but about restoring hope and rebuilding confidence in the Nigerian state.
“I wish to assert unequivocally: a New Nigeria is Possible,” Obi declared, describing the slogan as a shared vision that should guide Nigerians through the task of rebuilding the nation.
He said national unity would be a major pillar of his administration, arguing that Nigeria could not achieve sustainable progress while divided along ethnic, religious and regional lines.
According to him, insecurity remains one of the greatest threats to the country’s development, noting that terrorism, banditry and violent crimes have continued to undermine economic activities and public confidence.
Obi pledged to deploy intelligence-driven and technology-enhanced strategies to tackle insecurity, while strengthening security institutions and addressing the root causes of violence, including poverty, unemployment and marginalisation.
“We must address insecurity with resolve and urgency, for no nation can thrive while its citizens live in fear,” he said.
On the economy, Obi promised to create jobs by supporting micro, small and medium-sized enterprises through tax incentives, affordable financing and targeted interventions in key sectors such as agriculture, manufacturing, entertainment, sports and distribution.
He said Nigeria must move from a consumption-driven economy to a production-based economy capable of creating wealth and reducing poverty.
Highlighting the country’s worsening food security situation, Obi described it as unacceptable that millions of Nigerians face hunger despite the nation’s vast agricultural potential.
He said significant investments in agriculture would be central to his administration’s economic strategy, particularly in unlocking the productive capacity of the country’s vast arable land.
The NDC candidate also identified the power sector as critical to economic transformation, promising to increase electricity generation and distribution by at least 10,000 megawatts within four years.
“Nigeria today remains the country with the largest number of people without access to electricity. This must change if we are to industrialise and grow our economy,” he said.
Obi further outlined plans to improve healthcare delivery, including expanding health insurance coverage and increasing investment in primary healthcare facilities across the country.
He pledged to ensure that every ward in Nigeria has access to a functional primary healthcare centre while increasing healthcare spending to improve service delivery and manpower development.
On education, Obi promised increased investment in schools, teachers, technology and vocational training, describing education as the foundation of national development and economic prosperity.
The former governor also vowed to reduce corruption, cut the cost of governance and uphold the rule of law, insisting that public resources must be managed transparently and responsibly.
He further pledged to strengthen democratic institutions, respect opposition parties and ensure that governance reflects the will of the people.
Obi concluded by announcing former Kano State governor, Rabiu Kwankwaso, as his running mate, describing the partnership as part of a broader effort to build a united and prosperous Nigeria.
The NDC candidate said the 2027 election would offer Nigerians an opportunity to choose a new direction focused on security, economic productivity, good governance and national renewal.
