Presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, has formally launched his campaign for the 2027 presidential election, promising to shift Nigeria from a consumption-driven economy to one focused on production and investment.
Obi unveiled his campaign platform on Friday in Onitsha, Anambra State, where he outlined plans to tackle insecurity, poverty, unemployment and weaknesses in education and healthcare.
The former Anambra State governor, who is running alongside Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso as his vice-presidential candidate, said his administration would prioritise agriculture, manufacturing, technology, energy, construction, creative industries and services.
“Nigeria cannot import its way to prosperity. We will produce more of what we consume, process more of what we produce, and compete more effectively in global markets,” Obi said.
He pledged to strengthen agriculture through improved security, irrigation, rural roads, storage facilities, access to finance and better market opportunities, while promoting manufacturing and agro-processing.
Obi Promises Stronger Security, Human Capital
Obi identified insecurity as a major barrier to economic development, saying Nigerians could not farm, trade or invest effectively without adequate protection.
He proposed improved intelligence gathering, stronger coordination among security agencies, enhanced policing and border management, wider use of technology and community-based early-warning systems.
On education, he promised greater investment in basic education, universities and technical and vocational training.
He also pledged to improve healthcare by strengthening maternal and child services, expanding access to essential medicines and improving support for health workers.
Obi said government spending under his administration would be tied to clear objectives and measurable results.
“Every naira spent by government must have a clear purpose, and major public investments must produce measurable outcomes,” he said.
Campaign Targets Regional Economic Growth
The NDC candidate proposed a regional development strategy aimed at allowing each geopolitical zone to build on its economic strengths.
He said the North-West would focus on agriculture, livestock, irrigation and manufacturing, while the North-East would prioritise reconstruction, agriculture, education and enterprise.
The North-Central would develop food production, processing and responsible mining, while the South-West would build on manufacturing, technology, finance, trade and the creative sector.
He said the South-East would strengthen its industrial and entrepreneurial base, while the South-South would focus on oil and gas, maritime activities, fisheries, agriculture and environmental protection.
“Every region must produce. Every region must contribute. Every region must benefit,” Obi said.
He also urged Nigerians to assess presidential candidates based on competence, character and policies rather than ethnic or religious considerations.
Obi pledged to campaign alongside Kwankwaso across the country and engage directly with voters.
