Peter Obi, presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), has pledged to run an issue-driven campaign ahead of Nigeria’s 2027 general elections, promising to avoid ethnic and religious divisions.
Obi made the commitment on Friday during a world press conference at his residence in Onitsha, Anambra State, where he outlined his plans for addressing Nigeria’s economic, security and development challenges.
The former Anambra State governor described the 2027 election as a defining moment for Nigeria’s democracy and urged voters to examine the records, ideas and proposals of all presidential candidates before deciding who should receive their mandate.
Obi said Nigeria faces serious challenges, including widespread poverty, food insecurity, internal displacement, unemployment, poor infrastructure, unreliable electricity, insecurity and the high cost of doing business.
He argued that these problems go beyond statistics because they affect Nigerian families, farmers, workers, students and businesses across the country.
The NDC candidate called on Nigerians to demand evidence behind political promises and encouraged candidates and their supporters to debate issues without hatred or violence.
“We should debate ideas without hatred, compete without violence, and disagree without weakening the bonds that unite us,” Obi said.He also urged Nigerians to reject political campaigns driven by propaganda, ethnicity, religion, elitism or cronyism.
Obi outlines regional development plans
Obi said Nigeria’s diversity should be viewed as an economic advantage, with each geopolitical zone developing its unique strengths while contributing to a stronger national economy.
For the North-West, he identified agriculture, livestock, irrigation, agro-processing and manufacturing as key areas for expansion, alongside education and security.
He said the North-East should focus on reconstruction, restoring livelihoods, agriculture, education, enterprise and regional trade.
In the North-Central, Obi proposed strengthening food production and processing while developing mineral resources responsibly.
He said the South-West could build further on its strengths in manufacturing, technology, finance, trade and the creative economy.
For the South-East, Obi highlighted entrepreneurship and industrial development, saying better infrastructure, stronger connectivity and increased access to investment could help unlock the region’s potential.
In the South-South, he proposed extracting greater value from oil and gas while expanding maritime services, fisheries, agriculture and other productive sectors, alongside stronger environmental protection.
He also said the Federal Capital Territory should demonstrate effective urban planning, transportation, housing, sanitation, security and public services.
“Every region must produce. Every region must contribute. Every region must benefit,” he said.
Obi highlights governance record
Obi also pointed to his private-sector background, studies in policy and business-related institutions, and his experience as Anambra State governor.
He said his administration in Anambra prioritised education, healthcare, infrastructure, fiscal discipline and institutional capacity.
While acknowledging that his record was not perfect, he said his experience in government could help inform his approach to national leadership.
Obi also referenced the governing experience of Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, particularly his focus on education, technical training, scholarships, infrastructure and human-capital development during his tenure as Kano State governor.
According to Obi, their different experiences point to a common conclusion that Nigeria must invest in its people and manage public resources with discipline.As the 2027 election approaches, Obi’s campaign message is centred on national unity, regional economic development, responsible governance and a political contest focused on ideas rather than ethnic or religious identity.
