The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) has inaugurated its election committees as preparations intensify for the 2027 general elections, with its presidential candidate, Peter Obi, pledging a comprehensive anti-corruption drive and urgent action to tackle insecurity, electricity shortages, and challenges in agriculture, education and healthcare.
Obi made the commitment while addressing party leaders and supporters at the inauguration ceremony and award dinner, where he expressed concern about Nigeria’s economic difficulties and the living conditions of its citizens.
He said his proposed administration would prioritise practical solutions to the country’s problems rather than blame previous governments, stressing that Nigerians deserved tangible improvements in governance.
“The purpose of government is to solve problems, not to blame people,” Obi said.
The former Anambra State governor identified corruption as a major impediment to national development, pledging to curb the diversion of public funds and ensure that government resources were used for the benefit of citizens.
He also promised to declare emergencies in the security, agriculture, education and healthcare sectors, alongside measures to improve electricity generation, transmission and distribution.
On education, Obi raised concerns about the number of out-of-school children in Nigeria, promising to strengthen basic education and expand access to schooling.
He further pledged to improve access to credit for small and medium-sized enterprises, describing them as essential to employment generation and economic growth.
The NDC presidential candidate also promised to establish functional primary healthcare centres in every ward across the country within two years of assuming office.
Speaking at the event, former Bayelsa State Governor and Chairman of the NDC National Campaign Council, Senator Seriake Dickson, said the party was working to meet Nigerians’ expectations for improved security, economic development and national unity.
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Dickson urged voters to assess the performance of President Bola Tinubu’s administration before deciding whether to renew its mandate in 2027, arguing that Nigeria needed a change in direction.
He said the NDC was committed to safeguarding multiparty democracy and providing an alternative political platform for Nigerians dissatisfied with the country’s current situation.
Dickson urged party candidates to take the NDC’s message to communities nationwide, emphasising that political differences should be resolved through democratic competition and the exchange of ideas rather than violence.
He also called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to ensure that the 2027 elections were free, fair and credible.
The campaign council chairman urged security agencies to remain impartial and discharge their constitutional responsibilities without favouring any political party.
Earlier, Chairman of the NDC Campaign Advisory Council, Babachir Lawal, described the inauguration of the election committees as an important milestone in the party’s preparations for the 2027 polls.
Lawal expressed confidence in the party’s presidential ticket featuring Peter Obi and Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, saying they had the capacity to address Nigeria’s economic and security challenges.
He said the NDC would conduct an issue-based campaign, presenting voters with its proposed programmes, implementation plans and measurable targets.
Lawal also cautioned against electoral violence and attempts to manipulate results, urging party supporters to participate actively in the voting process and ensure that their votes were properly counted, recorded and announced at polling units.
He further encouraged supporters to monitor the collation process to ensure that results were accurately tallied and declared at subsequent centres.
Expressing optimism about the party’s electoral prospects, Lawal said the NDC was determined to pursue what he described as a mission to rescue Nigerians from poverty and insecurity.
The three party leaders reiterated the need for greater accountability, credible elections and a new direction for the country as the NDC steps up preparations for the 2027 general elections.
