Peter Obi has reaffirmed his belief that “a new Nigeria is possible” after emerging as the presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress for the 2027 election.
On Saturday, Obi was ratified and declared the party’s presidential candidate at an extraordinary convention in Abuja.
Presenting the party flag to Obi, Seriake Dickson, national leader of the NDC, described it as an emblem of victory and salvation for Nigerians.
Accepting the nomination, Obi thanked the party leadership, supporters and delegates for the confidence reposed in him.
“It is with deep humility that I accept the role of presidential candidate for our party,” he said.
“I wish to assert unequivocally: a new Nigeria is possible.”
The former Anambra governor said the campaign was bigger than any individual ambition and centred on rebuilding hope for Nigerians.
“This pivotal moment transcends the individual ambitions of Peter Obi,” he said.
“It concerns the essence of our nation and the future of our children.”
Obi said Nigeria is at a critical crossroads, with many citizens losing faith in governance.
“Families are anxious about their safety, parents are concerned for their children’s futures, and talented youth increasingly question their prospects in their homeland,” he said.
“Businesses are struggling, communities are suffering, and an alarming number of citizens have lost faith in the very concept of governance.”
NATIONAL UNIT
On national unity, Obi said Nigeria must overcome ethnic, religious and regional divisions to achieve progress.
“Nigeria cannot advance while fragmented by ethnic, religious, regional or narrow political divides,” he said.
“We may communicate in different languages and practise diverse faiths, but we share a singular destiny under one flag.”
He urged Nigerians to embrace unity and collective purpose.
“We should build bridges where others erect barriers, replace mistrust with confidence, division with understanding, and resentment with a collective purpose,” he said.
“A united Nigeria is indispensable.”
Obi also expressed concern over the country’s worsening security situation, citing Nigeria’s position in global terrorism rankings.
“In terms of security, the situation in Nigeria has considerably worsened,” he said.
“The primary responsibility of government is to ensure the safeguarding of lives and property.”
The NDC candidate said his administration would adopt an intelligence-driven and technology-enhanced approach to tackling insecurity.
“Our strategy will be intelligence-driven, technology-enhanced, proactive and community-focused,” he said.
“We will fortify our security institutions, enhance operational coordination, support our courageous personnel, and tackle the underlying causes of insecurity — namely poverty, unemployment and marginalisation.”
He added that farmers, students, communities and investors must be able to operate without fear.
“Farmers must be able to return to their fields securely; students must be able to learn without fear; communities must be able to rest peacefully; and investors must regain their confidence in Nigeria,” he said.
