Obi To Nigerians: “Probe Into Records, Policy Proposals Of Candidates Before Voting In 2027”

By Ayodele Oni

Presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, has urged Nigerians to scrutinise the records and policy proposals of all presidential candidates before deciding who deserves their mandate in 2027.

He said the election provides an opportunity for citizens to assess competing visions for the country at a time of significant economic and security challenges.

“Any presidential candidate who lacks the resolve to travel across the country, meet the people, and respond to their questions lacks the capacity to govern it.”

Obi added that he was entering the 2027 contest with the conviction that Nigeria could overcome its challenges if its human and material resources were properly managed.

“Nigeria can work, and Nigeria must work.”

Obi, who spoke at a press conference in Onitsha, Anambra State, on Friday, said his campaign for the 2027 presidential election would focus on rebuilding the country and improving the living conditions of Nigerians.

He pointed out thats Nigeria must urgently move from a consumption-driven economy to a production-based one, declaring that no nation can import its way to prosperity.

He emphasized that the central question for Nigerians ahead of the election should be whether government policies had actually improved their lives, particularly in the areas of food, education, healthcare, employment and business opportunities.

“Our experiences differ, but our conclusion is clear: Nigeria must invest in its people and manage its public resources responsibly.”

He also challenged Nigerians to demand direct answers from political leaders on the state of the economy and their plans to address the country’s challenges, rather than relying on surrogates to defend their records.

According to him, Nigeria’s large population and expanding domestic market present enormous opportunities that must be converted into productive capacity.

“Nigeria cannot import its way to prosperity. We will produce more of what we consume, process more of what we produce, and compete more effectively in global markets.”

Obi said his administration, if elected, would seek to deploy experience from the public sector, private sector and civil service to transform Nigeria’s population into productive human capital and its natural resources into value-added industries.

He identified agriculture, manufacturing, technology, construction, energy, creative industries and services as key sectors capable of driving investment, production and job creation.

The former Anambra State governor also expressed concern over the country’s worsening poverty and humanitarian situation, saying millions of Nigerians remain unable to meet basic needs.

He cited estimates indicating that more than 140 million Nigerians live at or below the national poverty line, while millions more face food insecurity and displacement caused by conflict.

On insecurity, Obi said the crisis had disrupted agriculture, education, trade and investment, stressing that the next government must adopt a comprehensive approach to restoring security.

He proposed improved intelligence gathering and coordination among security agencies, stronger policing and border management, as well as greater deployment of technology in combating insecurity.

On unemployment, he said Nigeria must create an economy capable of absorbing the millions of young people entering the labour market each year by expanding productive sectors and supporting businesses.