Presidential candidate of the Nigerian Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, has formally accepted his party’s nomination for the 2027 presidential election, declaring that “a New Nigeria is Possible” and unveiling an ambitious agenda focused on national unity, security, healthcare, education, agriculture, energy, job creation and governance reforms.
Speaking during his acceptance speech in Abuja on Saturday, Obi expressed gratitude to party leaders, supporters and Nigerians who, according to him, have kept hope alive despite the country’s challenges.
He said the mission ahead was bigger than personal ambition and centered on rebuilding the nation and securing a better future for coming generations.
Calls for National Unity
Obi stressed the need for national cohesion, warning that Nigeria could not make meaningful progress while divided along ethnic, religious and regional lines.
According to him, Nigeria’s diversity should serve as a source of strength rather than division, urging citizens to replace mistrust and resentment with understanding and collective purpose.
Security Tops Agenda
Addressing insecurity, Obi described the current situation as alarming, citing Nigeria’s worsening ranking on global terrorism impact assessments.
He pledged to tackle insecurity through intelligence-driven and technology-backed strategies, while strengthening security institutions and improving coordination among security agencies.
The former Anambra State governor also promised to address the root causes of insecurity, including poverty, unemployment and marginalisation, while ensuring farmers, students and communities can live and work without fear.
Healthcare Reforms
On healthcare, Obi lamented the poor state of Nigeria’s health sector, noting that only a fraction of the country’s primary healthcare centres are functional.
He promised to increase health insurance coverage from about 10 per cent to more than 20 per cent within four years and raise healthcare spending to at least 10 per cent of Gross Domestic Product (GDP).
Obi also pledged to establish fully functional primary healthcare centres in all 8,809 wards nationwide and ensure that at least half of the country’s estimated 30,000 healthcare centres become fully operational before the end of his first term.
Education and Human Capital Development
The NDC candidate identified education as a critical pillar of national development, promising increased investment in schools, teachers, technology and vocational training.
He said his administration would focus on equipping young Nigerians with skills needed not only for employment but also for entrepreneurship and wealth creation.
Agriculture and Food Security
Obi expressed concern over rising hunger and food insecurity, describing Nigeria’s position among the world’s most food-insecure nations as unacceptable despite its vast arable land.
He argued that large-scale investment in agriculture remains the most reliable pathway to reducing hunger, creating jobs and stimulating economic growth.
According to him, unlocking the agricultural potential of Northern Nigeria would significantly boost national productivity and prosperity.
Power Sector Target
In the energy sector, Obi described Nigeria’s electricity supply as grossly inadequate, noting that the country currently generates and distributes about 4,000 megawatts for a population exceeding 200 million people.
He pledged to increase power generation and distribution by at least 10,000 megawatts within four years to support industrial growth and economic development.
Job Creation and MSME Support
Obi vowed to tackle unemployment and underemployment through aggressive support for micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs).
He promised targeted tax incentives, lower-interest financing and improved access to funding for businesses operating in agriculture, manufacturing, entertainment, sports and distribution.
Anti-Corruption and Governance
The former governor assured Nigerians that his administration would reduce corruption and cut the cost of governance through transparency, accountability and prudent management of public resources.
He also pledged strict adherence to the rule of law and promised to strengthen democratic institutions by promoting fairness, transparency and respect for opposition parties.
Kwankwaso Named Running Mate
In a major political announcement, Obi declared that former Kano State governor, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, would serve as his running mate.
He said the vice president under his administration would be an active partner in governance rather than a ceremonial figure.
Obi concluded by seeking divine guidance for the nation and expressing confidence that Nigeria could overcome its challenges through unity, good governance and productive leadership.
