The presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, has unveiled his governance agenda ahead of the 2027 general election.
Obi outlined national unity, security, economic productivity and accountable leadership as the major priorities of his proposed administration.
He presented the agenda on Tuesday during a town hall meeting with supporters and residents in Jos, Plateau State.
The former Anambra governor said his approach to leadership would involve listening to citizens and responding to their needs.
“Our number one commitment is to unite the Federal Republic of Nigeria because today we have no unity. We are divided along tribal and religious lines,” Obi said.
Obi Makes National Unity His First Priority
Obi described national unity as the foundation for addressing Nigeria’s challenges.
He argued that ethnic and religious divisions had weakened the country and called for a stronger sense of shared identity.
The NDC candidate said his proposed government would promote unity and ensure Nigerians see themselves as members of one country.
Promises Stronger Security and Return of Displaced Persons
Obi identified insecurity as the second major priority of his agenda.
He pledged to strengthen Nigeria’s security architecture and confront kidnapping and other violent crimes.
He also promised to prioritise the safe return of internally displaced persons (IDPs) to their communities.
“If any Nigerian remains in an internally displaced persons camp, we have failed. Once one Nigerian is in an IDP camp, the entire Nigeria is in an IDP camp. People must return to their homes,” he said.
Obi recalled visiting conflict-affected communities in Plateau State, including Bokkos, Barkin Ladi and Mangu.
He described the security situation in those areas as unacceptable. He said the suffering of displaced families and victims of violence influenced his decision to seek the presidency.
Obi Promises Shift From Consumption to Production
On the economy, Obi said Nigeria must move away from a consumption-based system towards production.
He argued that increased local production would create jobs, reduce poverty and improve living standards.
He also promised to expand access to credit for small businesses through reforms in the banking sector.
“I know what it means to access funding. I have been a director and chairman of a financial institution, and I understand how banks operate,” he said.
Obi added that his proposed government would ensure small businesses receive a portion of available banking-sector credit to support growth and employment.
Education, Healthcare and Fight Against Corruption
The NDC candidate also promised stronger investment in education and healthcare.
He expressed concern over Nigeria’s estimated 18 million out-of-school children and pledged to build classrooms, recruit teachers and improve school operations.
On healthcare, Obi said strengthening primary healthcare centres would be central to reducing maternal and infant deaths.
He argued that communities need accessible and functional medical facilities to improve healthcare outcomes.
He also promised to fight corruption and ensure public funds serve the interests of Nigerians.
“I will fight corruption. Public money must be used for public good. Today, public money is wrongly being used, and that must change,” he said.
Obi further promised to prioritise vulnerable Nigerians, including poor households, elderly citizens and persons living with disabilities.
Obi Urges Nigerians to Protect Their Votes in 2027
Beyond his policy proposals, Obi urged voters to remain at polling units after casting their ballots during the 2027 election.
He encouraged citizens to monitor the process and ensure their votes are counted, recorded and transmitted.
“In the next election, every voter is an agent. Don’t vote and go home. Take that day as the one day you are giving to Nigeria as a patriotic Nigerian,” he said.
Earlier, during a visit to the Plateau State Traditional Council, Obi called for compassionate and committed leadership.
The Gbong Gwom Jos, Da Jacob Gyang Buba, urged politicians to avoid actions that could worsen insecurity and tensions during the election period.
He called on Nigerians to maintain peace and respect one another despite political differences.
