Picture: NDC Presidential candidate, Mr Peter Obi
…Promises security, jobs, healthcare, education, power reforms, end to wasteful governance
By Our Correspondent
Former Anambra State Governor and presidential hopeful, Mr Peter Obi, has formally accepted his nomination as the presidential candidate of the Nigerian Democratic Coalition (NDC), declaring that “a New Nigeria is Possible” and unveiling an ambitious blueprint aimed at transforming the nation’s fortunes.
Speaking before party leaders, supporters, and delegates in Abuja on Saturday, Obi said his candidacy was not about personal ambition but about rescuing Nigeria from insecurity, poverty, hunger, unemployment, poor governance, and declining public trust.
Expressing gratitude to the leadership of the NDC, including National Chairman Senator Seriake Dickson, members of the National Working Committee, party faithful, and supporters across the country, Obi described the moment as a defining chapter in Nigeria’s history.
“This pivotal moment transcends the individual ambitions of Peter Obi; it concerns the essence of our nation and the future of our children,” he said.
Calls for National Unity
Obi explained that national unity remains the foundation for Nigeria’s progress, urging citizens to rise above ethnic, religious, and regional divisions.
“Nigeria cannot advance while fragmented by ethnic, religious, regional, or narrow political divides. We may communicate in different languages and practise diverse faiths, but we share a singular destiny under one flag,” he declared.
Quoting renowned historian Will Durant, Obi warned against internal divisions, saying: “A great civilisation is not conquered from without until it has destroyed itself from within.”
Tackling Insecurity
The NDC candidate expressed concern over worsening insecurity, noting that Nigeria’s ranking among countries most affected by terrorism had deteriorated significantly in recent years.
He promised an intelligence-driven, technology-enhanced, proactive, and community-focused security architecture capable of restoring peace and confidence across the country.
“We must address insecurity with resolve and urgency, for no nation can thrive while its citizens live in trepidation,” he declared.
According to Obi, farmers must be able to return safely to their farms, students must learn without fear, and investors must regain confidence in the country.
Healthcare Reform Agenda
On healthcare, Obi lamented the poor state of primary healthcare services and low health insurance coverage nationwide.
He pledged to more than double health insurance coverage within four years and increase healthcare spending to at least 10 per cent of GDP.
The former governor also promised that every one of Nigeria’s 8,809 wards would have a fully functional primary healthcare centre, while at least half of the nation’s estimated 30,000 primary healthcare facilities would become fully operational and adequately staffed.
Education as the Foundation
Describing education as the cornerstone of national development, Obi vowed massive investments in schools, teachers, technology, and vocational training.
“Our children are not burdens; they represent our most valuable assets,” he said, adding that education must equip young Nigerians not only to seek jobs but to create them.
Agriculture and Food Security
Addressing the nation’s food crisis, Obi described Nigeria’s worsening hunger situation as unacceptable given its vast agricultural potential.
He argued that Nigeria possesses more arable land per capita than several leading rice-producing countries and therefore has no excuse for remaining among the world’s most food-insecure nations.
According to him, transitioning Nigeria from a consumption-driven economy to a production-based economy through large-scale agricultural investment remains the surest route out of poverty and hunger.
Power Sector Transformation
Obi highlighted Nigeria’s chronic electricity shortage, noting that the country currently generates and distributes only about 4,000 megawatts for a population exceeding 200 million.
He pledged to increase electricity generation and distribution by at least 10,000 megawatts within four years.
“This considerable power shortfall continues to cripple businesses, choke industries, and stall overall economic growth,” he noted.
Jobs and Economic Growth
The presidential candidate promised aggressive support for Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), including targeted tax incentives, accessible financing, and favourable interest rates.
He identified agriculture, manufacturing, entertainment, sports, and distribution as key sectors capable of creating millions of jobs for Nigeria’s growing youth population.
Anti-Corruption and Governance Reforms
Obi assured Nigerians that corruption would be tackled through transparency, accountability, and prudent management of public resources.
He also promised to significantly reduce the cost of governance and ensure that every naira spent by government translates into measurable benefits for citizens.
Rule of Law and Democratic Values
On governance, Obi pledged strict adherence to constitutional principles and the rule of law.
He further promised to strengthen democratic institutions, respect opposition parties, and ensure free and fair political competition.
“Our democracy will exemplify true governance of the people, by the people, and for the people, completely free from interference by the ruling party,” he said.
Concluding his address, Obi reiterated his belief in the resilience of Nigerians and urged citizens to unite behind the vision of national renewal.
“I stand before you filled with optimism and strong faith in the resilience of our people, for I firmly believe that a New Nigeria is possible.”
He ended his speech by invoking divine blessings upon the nation and its people.
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