By Adesina Soyooye

The Presidential Candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress, NDC Peter Obi, has said that his running mate, Dr. Rabiu Kwankwaso will not just be a spare tyre, but a genuine partner in the running of Nigeria.

In Nigeria, occupiers of such positions, whether at the Federal or State level are often anonymous. They operate at the pleasure of their bosses. In Nigeria, for instance, except in a few States, the names of the Deputy Governors are not even known. In fairness to the current administration, Vice President Kashim Shettima, has enjoyed a level of visibility even though there have questions as to why he has never officially been designated as Acting President, President Tinubu’s many trips outside the country notwithstanding.

However, Obi, who announced Kwankwaso as his running mate  immediately after he was officially endorsed by the NDC as its presidential nominee for the upcoming 2027 general election at a special convention held in Abuja on Saturday,  following a motion introduced by Senator Victor Umeh and supported by former Deputy Senate President, Omo Agege,

Immediately after his endorsement, stated that “Kwankwaso would be a genuine partner rather than a mere backup, in contrast to the approach of the current government.”

In his address to the convention after being nominated, Obi stared: “I humbly accept this responsibility as the presidential candidate for our party. I extend my heartfelt thanks to our party leaders, including His Excellency Seriake Dickson, the national chairman, the national secretary, and the members of the national working committee, as well as our dedicated supporters and the Nigerian people who continue to hold on to hope. I appreciate everyone who travelled from different parts of the country to be here in Abuja today.

“I want to clearly state: a new Nigeria is achievable. This belief unites us and should guide us as we navigate the challenging path ahead, helping us endure any trials we may encounter. This moment is larger than my personal aspirations; it concerns the core of our nation and the future of our children. It is about reigniting hope for millions who have endured hardships but remain devoted to Nigeria.

“Currently, our nation stands at a critical point, engulfed in uncertainty. Families are worried about their safety; parents fear for their children’s futures; and talented young individuals increasingly doubt opportunity in their own country.

“Businesses are facing difficulties, communities are in distress, and a growing number of citizens have lost confidence in governance. Nevertheless, I stand here today filled with hope and a strong belief in the resilience of our people, as I am convinced that a New Nigeria is within reach.

Obi outlined several priority issues his administration would tackle, including insecurity, national unity, the power sector, healthcare, education, and unemployment, among others.

“Our vast pool of talented youth remains significantly underemployed. The official unemployment statistic of 4% misrepresents the actual circumstances; the true rates of underemployment and unemployment in Nigeria exceed 30%, with youth unemployment surpassing 40%—among the highest globally. This situation demands urgent action. We will focus on promoting the growth of micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) through targeted tax incentives, favourable interest rates, and accessible financing in areas such as agriculture, manufacturing, entertainment, sports, and distribution. These initiatives will be both measurable and accountable.

Regarding corruption and governance costs, he promised, “Nigerians will see a clear and verifiable decrease in corruption and in the fundamental expenses associated with governance. Public resources will be managed with full transparency, prudence, and accountability to ensure that every naira spent delivers measurable value to the citizens.”

He concluded by promising Nigerians that under his leadership, “democracy will reflect true governance by the people, for the people, and of the people, entirely free from interference by the ruling party. Instead, we will institute a culture of deep respect for opposition parties and encourage constructive cooperation in governance.”

By Ayodele Oni

Coming few hours after his nomination, Peter Obi has picked former Kano State Governor, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, as his running mate for the 2027 presidential election on the platform of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC).

The announcement came shortly after Obi was officially confirmed as the party’s presidential candidate during the NDC’s nationwide primary elections held on Saturday.

Reports indicate that Obi emerged unopposed, having been the sole aspirant for the party’s presidential ticket.

The primary election was part of the NDC’s broader process of selecting candidates for various elective positions ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Following his affirmation, party leaders formally presented the NDC flag to Obi, symbolizing his emergence as the party’s standard bearer for the forthcoming presidential contest.

The event was attended by officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), in compliance with the requirements of the Electoral Act.

Obi’s choice of Kwankwaso as his running mate is expected to generate significant political interest as preparations for the 2027 elections gather momentum.

By Ayodele Oni

A New Nigeria is possible if citizens can forget individual ambitions, Peter Obi, presidential candidate of the Nigerian  Democratic Coalition, (NDC), has assured.

Obi, who spoke after emerging as the Presidential candidate of NDC added that: “This conviction has united us; it must serve as our compass on the challenging road ahead and sustain us through all trials we may face.

“This pivotal moment transcends the individual ambitions of Peter Obi; it concerns the essence of our nation and the future of our children. It is about rekindling hope for millions who have faced adversity yet remain committed to Nigeria.

“Today, our nation finds itself at a crucial juncture, enveloped in uncertainty. Families are anxious about their safety; parents are concerned for their children’s futures; and talented youth increasingly question their prospects in their homeland.

“Businesses are struggling, communities are suffering, and an alarming number of citizens have lost faith in the very concept of governance.

“Yet, 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.

“To realise this New Nigeria, we must first mend the foundational elements essential for the success of any nation.

“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.

“Our diversity should not be a source of division; rather, it is among our greatest strengths.

“We should build bridges where others erect barriers, replace mistrust with confidence, division with understanding, and resentment with a collective purpose.

“A united Nigeria is indispensable. As Will Durant wisely pointed out, ‘A great civilisation is not conquered from without until it has destroyed itself from within.’ We must never self-destruct. We must heal, unify, and progress together.”

Obi, who decried alarming rate of insecurity in the country, maintained that

“the situation in Nigeria has considerably worsened.

“The global terrorism impact assessments ranked Nigeria as the 8th most affected nation in 2022, 6th in 2024, and 4th in 2026.

“Yet, for many years, Nigeria garnered global recognition as a reliable contributor to peacekeeping, regional stabilisation, and conflict resolution.

“Our troops have not only displayed bravery but have also shown professionalism, discipline, resilience, and empathy in the most challenging operational contexts.

“Our officers and personnel have successfully commanded multiple international forces, safeguarded vulnerable civilian populations, monitored ceasefires, reinstated constitutional order, and contributed to rebuilding efforts.

“Nigeria became one of the leading contributors of troops from Africa to UN peacekeeping missions and earned widespread admiration for operational effectiveness and leadership in various countries, including Rwanda, Sudan, Liberia, Sierra Leone, Mali, Western Sahara, Congo, Lebanon, Cambodia, Haiti, and Kuwait.

“At one point, a Nigeria, Lt. General Isaac Obiakor (retd) even led global peacekeeping initiatives.

“We must address insecurity with resolve and urgency, for no nation can thrive while its citizens live in trepidation. The primary responsibility of government is to ensure the safeguarding of lives and property.

“Farmers must be able to return to their fields securely; students must be able to learn without fear; communities must be able to rest peacefully; and investors must regain their confidence in Nigeria.

“Our strategy will be intelligence-driven, technology-enhanced, proactive, and community-focused.

“We will fortify our security institutions, enhance operational coordination, support our courageous personnel, and tackle the underlying causes of insecurity—namely poverty, unemployment, and marginalization.”

Protocols,

Esteemed citizens of Nigeria,

It is with deep humility that I accept the role of presidential candidate for our party.

I express my profound gratitude to the leaders of our party. His Excellency Seriake Dickson, the National Chairman, National Secretary and the National Working Committee, NWC members and members of our relentless supporters, and the Nigerian populace who have steadfastly kept the spirit of hope alive. I commend those who have made the journey from every region of our nation to convene here in Abuja.

I wish to assert unequivocally: a New Nigeria is Possible. This conviction has united us; it must serve as our compass on the challenging road ahead and sustain us through all trials we may face. This pivotal moment transcends the individual ambitions of Peter Obi; it concerns the essence of our nation and the future of our children. It is about rekindling hope for millions who have faced adversity yet remain committed to Nigeria.

Today, our nation finds itself at a crucial juncture, enveloped in uncertainty. Families are anxious about their safety; parents are concerned for their children’s futures; and talented youth increasingly question their prospects in their homeland.

Businesses are struggling, communities are suffering, and an alarming number of citizens have lost faith in the very concept of governance. Yet, 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.

 UNITY

To realise this New Nigeria, we must first mend the foundational elements essential for the success of any nation.

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. Our diversity should not be a source of division; rather, it is among our greatest strengths.

We should build bridges where others erect barriers, replace mistrust with confidence, division with understanding, and resentment with a collective purpose. A united Nigeria is indispensable. As Will Durant wisely pointed out, “A great civilisation is not conquered from without until it has destroyed itself from within.” We must never self-destruct. We must heal, unify, and progress together.

 INSECURITY

In terms of security, the situation in Nigeria has considerably worsened. The global terrorism impact assessments ranked Nigeria as the 8th most affected nation in 2022, 6th in 2024, and 4th in 2026.

Yet, for many years, Nigeria garnered global recognition as a reliable contributor to peacekeeping, regional stabilisation, and conflict resolution. Our troops have not only displayed bravery but have also shown professionalism, discipline, resilience, and empathy in the most challenging operational contexts. Our officers and personnel have successfully commanded multiple international forces, safeguarded vulnerable civilian populations, monitored ceasefires, reinstated constitutional order, and contributed to rebuilding efforts.

Nigeria became one of the leading contributors of troops from Africa to UN peacekeeping missions and earned widespread admiration for operational effectiveness and leadership in various countries, including Rwanda, Sudan, Liberia, Sierra Leone, Mali, Western Sahara, Congo, Lebanon, Cambodia, Haiti, and Kuwait. At one point, a Nigeria, Lt. General Isaac Obiakor (rtd) even led global peacekeeping initiatives.

We must address insecurity with resolve and urgency, for no nation can thrive while its citizens live in trepidation. The primary responsibility of government is to ensure the safeguarding of lives and property. Farmers must be able to return to their fields securely; students must be able to learn without fear; communities must be able to rest peacefully; and investors must regain their confidence in Nigeria.

Our strategy will be intelligence-driven, technology-enhanced, proactive, and community-focused. We will fortify our security institutions, enhance operational coordination, support our courageous personnel, and tackle the underlying causes of insecurity—namely poverty, unemployment, and marginalisation.

 HEALTHCARE

Regarding health, Nigeria is currently ranked 157th globally, placing it in the lower echelon of healthcare worldwide. Primary healthcare, the cornerstone of our medical system, remains severely not functional with only 10% to 20% of approximately 30,000 primary healthcare centres operational.

As a result, Nigeria suffers from one of the highest infant mortality rates in the world. Furthermore, health insurance coverage in Nigeria hovers around a mere 10%, in stark contrast to countries like Indonesia, which boast over 90% coverage. This situation is regrettable.

I pledge that within four years, our health insurance coverage will more than double to over 20%.

Within these four years, we will increase our healthcare budget to a minimum of 10% of our GDP, up from the current level of below 5%. We will invest heavily in and support our healthcare institutions to ensure the massive training of our healthcare workers, including nurses and other professionals. We shall also adequately staff our medical facilities.

In four years, there will be a fully functional and properly managed primary healthcare centre in all 8,809 wards across the nation. By the conclusion of our term, Nigeria will ensure that at least 50% of its 30,000 primary healthcare centres are fully functional, properly manned, and dedicated to serving the populace.

 EDUCATION

Education will remain at the forefront of our national revival, as no country can grow beyond its educational system. Nations that have transformed successfully have done so through sustained investment in human capital. Our children are not burdens; they represent our most valuable assets. We will invest heavily in schools, teachers, technology, and vocational training, ensuring that education equips our youth not only to seek employment but also to generate it. We must pivot Nigeria from a cycle of shared poverty to one of collective prosperity through knowledge, innovation, and productivity.

 HUNGER AND AGRICULTURE

In 2023, when the present government took office, Nigeria ranked 109 out of 150 nations on the Global Hunger Index.

And by 2025, our ranking further plunged to 115th, placing us among the hungriest nations globally. Currently, the World Food Programme estimates that over 35 million Nigerians will face acute hunger and food insecurity this year. This is unconscionable, given our vast expanses of uncultivated land.

Rice remains the most consumed food in Nigeria. To illustrate our level of unproductivity, let us compare our capabilities with those of leading rice-producing nations. India is the largest producer of rice, yielding approximately 200 million tonnes of unmilled rice.

Bangladesh is the third largest producer, produces around 60 million tonnes of unskilled Rice, while Vietnam is the 5th, produces about 42 million tonnes. Let us consider the land-to-population ratios:

India has a landmass of 3,287,263 square kilometres. Distributed across its population of 1.4 billion people, this equals roughly 2. 34 Square meter per person.

Bangladesh,  with a landmass of around 148,460 square kilometres and a population of 170 million, has less than 1 square metres per person.

Vietnam’s landmass covers 331,000 square kilometres. Divided by a population of 102 million, it yields about 3.25 square metres per person.

Nigeria has a massive landmass of 923,768 square kilometres. Divided by our population of approximately 230 million, this results in about 4.00 square metres per person. The foregoing clearly illustrates that we have absolutely no justification for being among the world’s hungriest nations.

Transitioning our nation from a state of consumption to one of production, through significant investments in agriculture, is the sole dependable strategy to escape the current depths of hunger and poverty. As I often emphasise, the uncultivated lands in our northern region represent our most substantial tangible assets. Transforming this sector is our direct pathway to prosperity.

ENERGY SECTOR

Nigeria today is the nation with the highest number of citizens lacking access to electricity globally. We currently generate and distribute a mere 4,000 megawatts (MW) of electricity for a population exceeding 200 million. In contrast, comparable nations worldwide – including several African peers such as South Africa and Egypt – each generate and distribute over 40,000 MW, despite both countries having less than half of our population. This considerable power shortfall continues to cripple businesses, choke industries, and stall overall economic growth.

Over the next four years, I commit to ensuring a minimum of 10,000 MW power

increase generation and distribution.

 UNEMPLOYMENT AND UNDEREMPLOYMENT

Our large pool of talented youth remains largely unemployed. The current official unemployment rate of 4% grossly misrepresents the true situation; actual underemployment and unemployment in Nigeria exceeds 30%, with youth unemployment sitting at over 40% – among the highest globally, necessitating urgent intervention. We will address this by aggressively supporting the growth of micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) through targeted tax incentives, special interest rates, and accessible funding in sectors such as agriculture, manufacturing, entertainment, sports, and distribution. These improvements will be both measurable and verifiable.

C ORRUPTION AND GOVERNANCE COSTS

Nigerians will witness a tangible and verifiable reduction in corruption and the baseline costs associated with governance. Public resources will be managed with absolute transparency, prudence, and accountability to ensure that every naira spent yields demonstrable value for the citizenry.

*

RULE OF LAW*

The rule of law will be fiercely upheld, and adherence to it will be sacrosanct for both government officials and citizens alike, strictly in accordance with our constitutional frameworks.

DEMOCRACY

Our democracy will exemplify true governance of the people, by the people, and for the people, completely free from interference by the ruling party. Instead, we will institutionalise deep respect for opposition parties and foster constructive engagement in governance.

Under my leadership, democracy will be pursued with integrity, fairness, and transparency.

May God bless you all, and may God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria.