Obi: I’ll prioritise education, healthcare, industrialisation as Nigeria’s president

The presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, has unveiled key priorities that would shape his administration if elected in the 2027 general election.

Obi, a former two-term governor of Anambra State, pledged sweeping reforms in education, healthcare, and human capital development to drive national transformation.

The NDC presidential flagbearer, in a statement issued on Wednesday, July 1, 2026, reaffirmed his commitment to building a united, prosperous and inclusive Nigeria, saying his administration would focus on restoring public trust, improving the quality of life and laying the foundation for sustainable economic growth.

He said Nigerians should expect a detailed policy roadmap in the coming weeks and months, outlining practical measures to curb abuse in government, promote national unity and strengthen institutions.

Obi stated: “Today, being the 1st of July, 2026, I wish to humbly recall that when I decided to contest for the office of President of Nigeria, I pledged to place Nigeria on the path of unity and national transformation.

“Now, as the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) candidate, I will, in the coming weeks and months, provide insights into the roadmap that I am confident will help curb abuse in government, halt the decline in the quality of life of Nigerians at all levels, and usher in an era of unity, peace, sustained progress, and prosperity.

“This vision is anchored on a commitment to unity, inclusion, social justice, equity, and the freedom of every citizen to pursue lawful dreams.”

Obi identified education and healthcare as the pillars of his development strategy, stressing that investment in human capital remains the most critical requirement for national progress.

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He said a future NDC administration would immediately establish a special task force to tackle the country’s growing population of out-of-school children, while placing greater emphasis on Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) to equip young Nigerians with skills needed for industrial development.

The NDC presidential candidate said the TVET programme would be supported through partnerships involving government, the private sector, and faith-based educational institutions to expand apprenticeship opportunities in a model similar to Germany’s dual education system.

Obi also linked skills development to his vision of transforming Nigeria from a consumption-driven economy into a production-based economy, driven by agriculture, manufacturing, and value addition through industrial parks across the country’s geopolitical zones.

Obi lamented the paradox of high unemployment amid a shortage of skilled workers, noting that many Nigerian entrepreneurs are establishing businesses abroad because of inadequate skilled labour at home.

“The situation in which unemployment remains high while Nigerian entrepreneurs establish businesses elsewhere because skilled labour is scarce must be confronted decisively. Doing so is essential for the common good and for facilitating our transition from a consumption-driven economy to a production-driven one,” he stated.

Obi added that his administration would strengthen character and civic education to promote integrity, trust, responsible leadership and shared national values, describing them as essential ingredients for economic growth and national cohesion.

The former governor noted that the proposed reforms would provide the human capital required to unlock Nigeria’s demographic potential and accelerate long-term development.