The Presidential candidate of Nigeria Democratic Congress, NDC, for 2027 election, Mr. Peter Obi, has said that Nigeria must invest in its people and manage public resources with discipline, adding that he entered the contest with one firm conviction: Nigeria can work, and Nigeria must work.
Obi disclosed this yesterday during a press conference to mark the commencement of campaigns in his compound at Onitsha, the commercial hub of Anambra state.
He said the campaign season which started on Wednesday August 19, 2026, has given Nigerians the opportunity to assess the records, ideas, and plans of those seeking their mandate to lead their country at this time of grave uncertainty.
According to him, " I consider myself quite privileged to be one of those seeking your mandate to deal with these challenges facing our country. I entered this contest with one firm conviction: Nigeria can work, and Nigeria must work."
The Presidential candidate rhetorically questioned, " Are Nigerians better off than they were four years ago? Can they afford food, education, and healthcare? Can businesses produce, expand, and create jobs? Can young people find productive work? Can farmers work safely and get their produce to market?.
" These are the measures that matter.
With your mandate, our economic agenda will put production, investment, enterprise, and human capital at the centre of how we lead.
" We will raise agricultural productivity by securing farming communities, expanding irrigation, improving rural roads and storage, and linking farmers to finance and markets. We will also strengthen manufacturing and agro-processing so Nigeria can export more finished goods and capture greater value from its resources.
" We will create a business environment where entrepreneurs can invest, hire, and grow without unnecessary regulatory or infrastructure barriers. And we will manage public finances responsibly."
Stressing on insecurity in the country, Obi said no nation could prosper when its people cannot live, farm, travel, or do business safely.
" Insecurity has displaced millions of Nigerians and continues to disrupt agriculture, education, trade, and investment. Our response must therefore be comprehensive.
" The imperative of decentralising security management, but with strong systems of coordination between the levels, is critical to our plans.
" Security policy must also address the conditions that make vulnerable young people susceptible to criminal recruitment. Farmers cannot produce food if they cannot reach their farms safely. Children lose the chance to learn when they cannot attend school safely. Businesses cannot create jobs when they cannot move goods securely." He stated.
