Obi flags off 2027 campaign in Onitsha

Etim Ekpimah

Peter Obi, presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), yesterday launched his 2027 campaign in Onitsha, Anambra State, pledging to reset Nigeria on a path of unity, security, and inclusive growth.

Obi, joined by his running mate Dr Rabiu Kwankwaso, told supporters that Nigeria “can work and must work,” unveiling a reform agenda focused on tackling insecurity, poverty, hunger, and the country’s education and healthcare deficits.

He challenged voters to ask five critical questions before casting their ballots: Are Nigerians better off than four years ago? Can families afford food, education, and healthcare? Can businesses expand and create jobs? Can young people find meaningful work? Can farmers operate safely and bring produce to market?

“No candidate should hide behind the walls of power or send proxies to the hustings,” Obi said. “True leadership requires presence and empathy. You cannot lead people you are unwilling to visit, listen to, and understand.”

Obi promised to take his campaign directly to Nigerians, rejecting divisive politics based on ethnicity or religion. He stressed that the 2027 election must be guided by “capacity, competence, compassion, character, and commitment.”

Referencing the World Bank’s April 2026 Nigeria Development Update, he argued that reform must translate into better lives, stronger human capital, and inclusive growth. “We will combine fiscal discipline with productive investment,” he said.

Obi urged citizens to scrutinise every candidate’s record and proposals, debate ideas without hatred, and demand accountability beyond election day.

“Nigeria’s challenges are real, but so are its opportunities,” he declared. “Our task is to turn these possibilities into results.”