Amanze Chinonye
Former Anambra State Governor, Peter Obi, has formally accepted his nomination as the presidential candidate of the Nigerian Democratic Congress (NDC) for the 2027 presidential election, unveiling an ambitious agenda focused on national unity, security, healthcare, education, agriculture, energy, job creation, and governance reforms, Prime Business Africa reports.
Speaking at the party’s nomination event in Abuja on Saturday, Obi declared that “a New Nigeria is Possible,” describing his candidacy as a mission to restore hope, rebuild public trust in government, and secure a better future for Nigerians.
The former governor said the country’s challenges had reached a critical point, citing widespread insecurity, economic hardship, youth unemployment, declining public confidence in governance, and growing concerns over the future of the nation.
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According to him, the task ahead goes beyond personal political ambition and centres on rebuilding Nigeria’s institutions and creating opportunities for future generations.
On national unity, Obi stressed the need to bridge ethnic, religious, regional, and political divisions, arguing that Nigeria’s diversity should serve as a strength rather than a source of conflict.
“Nigeria cannot move forward while divided. We must replace distrust with confidence and build bridges where others build walls,” he said.
Addressing insecurity, the NDC candidate expressed concern over what he described as worsening security challenges across the country. He pledged to pursue an intelligence-driven and technology-enabled security strategy while strengthening coordination among security agencies and addressing root causes such as poverty, unemployment, and social exclusion.
Obi also promised major reforms in the healthcare sector, noting that many primary healthcare centres across the country remain non-functional. He pledged to increase health insurance coverage from the current level to more than 20 per cent within four years and raise healthcare spending to at least 10 per cent of Nigeria’s Gross Domestic Product.
He further promised that every ward in the country would have a functional primary healthcare centre, while at least half of Nigeria’s estimated 30,000 primary healthcare facilities would become fully operational before the end of his first term.
On education, Obi described human capital development as the foundation of national growth, promising increased investment in schools, teachers, technology, and vocational training.
He said the reforms would equip young Nigerians with skills needed not only for employment but also for entrepreneurship and innovation.
The presidential candidate also identified food insecurity as one of Nigeria’s most pressing challenges, lamenting that millions of Nigerians continue to face hunger despite the country’s vast agricultural potential.
According to him, transforming agriculture from subsistence to large-scale productive enterprise would be central to his administration’s economic strategy.
He argued that Nigeria’s vast arable land, particularly in the northern region, represents one of the country’s greatest economic assets and should be leveraged to boost food production and reduce poverty.
In the energy sector, Obi pledged to tackle Nigeria’s chronic electricity deficit, promising to increase power generation and distribution by at least 10,000 megawatts within four years.
He said improved electricity supply would help revive industries, support businesses, and stimulate economic growth.
On employment, Obi dismissed official unemployment figures as not reflective of the realities faced by many Nigerians, particularly youths. He pledged targeted support for micro, small, and medium enterprises through tax incentives, affordable financing, and sector-specific interventions aimed at creating jobs and expanding economic opportunities.
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The NDC flagbearer also vowed to reduce corruption and the cost of governance, promising greater transparency, accountability, and prudent management of public resources.
He pledged strict adherence to the rule of law and promised to strengthen democratic institutions by ensuring fairness, transparency, and respect for opposition parties.
Obi said his administration would promote inclusive governance and democratic participation while protecting the independence of institutions.
In a major announcement at the event, Obi named former Kano State governor, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, as his vice-presidential running mate.
He said the vice president under his administration would be a “partner and not a spare tyre,” signalling a commitment to a more active and collaborative role for the office.
“I hereby accept my affirmation and nominate Senator Rabiu Kwankwaso as my Vice President,” Obi declared to loud applause from party members and supporters.
The announcement sets the stage for what is expected to be an intense contest ahead of the 2027 presidential election, with the NDC ticket positioning itself as an alternative platform seeking to challenge the ruling establishment.
Amanze Chinonye is a Staff Correspondent at Prime Business Africa, a rising star in the literary world, weaving captivating stories that transport readers to the vibrant landscapes of Nigeria and the rest of Africa. With a unique voice that blends with the newspaper's tradition and style, Chinonye's writing is a masterful exploration of the human condition, delving into themes of identity, culture, and social justice. Through her words, Chinonye paints vivid portraits of everyday African life, from the bustling markets of Nigeria's Lagos to the quiet villages of South Africa's countryside . With a keen eye for detail and a deep understanding of the complexities of Nigerian society, Chinonye's writing is both a testament to the country's rich cultural heritage and a powerful call to action for a brighter future. As a writer, Chinonye is a true storyteller, using her dexterity to educate, inspire, and uplift readers around the world.
