Obi emerges NDC 2027 presidential candidate, unveils agenda on security, economy

Former Anambra State Governor Peter Obi has formally accepted his nomination as the presidential candidate of the Nigerian Democratic Coalition (NDC), outlining an ambitious plan to tackle insecurity, economic hardship, poor healthcare, and unemployment.

Speaking at the party’s convention in Abuja on Saturday, May 30, 2026, Obi thanked party leaders, supporters, and Nigerians for what he described as their unwavering commitment to national renewal.

He said his candidacy was not about personal ambition but about restoring hope to millions of Nigerians facing economic and social challenges.

The former two-term governor of Anambra State stated that Nigeria is at a critical crossroads, with growing insecurity, rising poverty and declining confidence in governance.

Obi stressed that national unity would be central to his administration, urging Nigerians to rise above ethnic, religious, and regional divisions.

Obi pledged to address insecurity through intelligence-driven operations, improved technology and stronger support for security agencies.

He also promised to tackle the root causes of crime, including poverty, unemployment and marginalisation.

On healthcare, the former Labour Party presidential candidate said his administration would work to expand health insurance coverage from about 10 per cent to over 20 per cent within four years while increasing healthcare spending and revitalising primary healthcare centres across the country.

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He further promised major investments in education, describing human capital development as the foundation of national progress.

Obi promised that schools, teachers, vocational training and technology would receive greater attention to equip young Nigerians with employable and entrepreneurial skills.

Obi also identified agriculture as a key driver of economic recovery, lamenting Nigeria’s worsening hunger situation despite its vast arable land.

He said the country must shift from consumption to production through large-scale agricultural investments.

In the energy sector, Obi pledged to increase electricity generation and distribution by at least 10,000 megawatts within four years, stressing that improved power supply was essential for industrial growth and job creation.

The NDC presidential candidate also vowed to reduce the cost of governance, strengthen transparency in public finance, uphold the rule of law and protect democratic institutions.

“Under my leadership, democracy will be pursued with integrity, fairness and transparency,” Obi said, adding that opposition parties would be respected and allowed to play their constitutional roles.