The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) has stepped up preparations for the 2027 general elections with the unveiling of its new national secretariat in Abuja, the inauguration of its National Presidential Campaign Council, and the presentation of certificates of return to candidates contesting on its platform.
At a dinner held in the Federal Capital Territory on Monday, October 26, 2026, the party’s presidential candidate, Peter Obi, pledged to wage an uncompromising war against corruption and tackle insecurity, poverty, unemployment and the rising cost of living. He promised that Nigerians would see measurable improvements in governance from the first day of an NDC administration.
Obi, who is seeking the presidency alongside his running mate, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, said Nigeria needed a fundamental change in leadership and public resource management, insisting that government must focus on solving problems rather than blaming political opponents or previous administrations.
The events followed the party’s Third National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting and the inauguration of its newly acquired national secretariat at 393 Etang Obuli Crescent, Jabi, Abuja. The facility will serve as the party’s administrative headquarters and coordination centre for its presidential campaign.
The gathering brought together NDC National Chairman, Senator Moses Cleopas; National Leader, Senator Seriake Dickson; Senator Victor Umeh, representing Anambra Central; Rivers State governorship candidate, Dumo Lulu-Briggs; Senator Aisha Binani, Adamawa State governorship candidate; and other party leaders and members.
The unveiling of the secretariat, inauguration of the campaign council, and presentation of certificates marked a significant phase in the party’s organisational and electoral preparations ahead of the 2027 polls.
Obi Vows to Solve Problems, Not Blame Opponents
Addressing party leaders and supporters, Obi described Nigeria’s economic and security challenges as evidence of the urgent need for a new direction, arguing that the country’s vast resources have failed to translate into improved living conditions for millions.
“The purpose of governance is to solve problems, not to blame people. Kwankwaso and I will not blame anybody. We will create that new Nigeria that is possible,” he declared.
The former Anambra State governor accused President Bola Tinubu’s administration of worsening economic hardship and failing to demonstrate commensurate improvements in key development indicators despite increased revenues and substantial borrowing
He said Nigerians were increasingly demanding leadership that demonstrates competence, compassion, commitment, and the capacity to respond decisively.
“From my engagements all over Nigeria, Nigerians are looking for new leadership. And we assure you that we will create that new leadership,” Obi said.
Obi Declares War on Corruption, Demands Accountability
Making the fight against corruption a central plank of his campaign, Obi promised that an NDC-led government would take decisive action against the diversion of public funds and ensure resources are used for the benefit of citizens.
He argued that corruption has undermined public expenditure, weakened institutions, discouraged productive investment, and contributed to persistent economic difficulties.
Questioning the outcomes of government borrowing and revenue generation under the Tinubu administration, Obi challenged the federal government to explain how resources raised in recent years have been deployed.
“We must stop people from stealing public money. We must use public money for the public good. And that will be seen, it will be shown,” he said.
He maintained that public officeholders must be held accountable and that anyone found culpable of corruption would be required to answer in accordance with the law.
Obi also questioned the implementation of the 2023, 2024, and 2025 budgets, alleging that capital expenditure remained below 20 percent and that government contractors were facing payment difficulties.
He challenged the administration to provide a detailed account of its expenditure, projects, and achievements.
“We don’t want you to hire us to tell you about our problem. It’s only in Nigeria that you hire people, and they start reminding you of what happened in the past. No, we don’t want you to hire us to tell you about our problem. We want you to hire us to improve from today,” he said.
Promises Emergency Measures on Security, Agriculture
Obi pledged to prioritise national security, promising a more direct and responsive approach to kidnapping, violent attacks, and other threats.
He argued that the president must be available to respond to emergencies and demonstrate leadership in affected communities.
“If they say there is a problem in Jos, he will go to Jos,” Obi said.
He also promised to declare an emergency in agriculture, particularly in northern Nigeria, where insecurity has disrupted farming and limited productive use of land.
“We have vast land in the north. When we secure the north, our farmers must go back and produce what we eat and what we use for our industries,” he said.
He linked agricultural recovery to reducing hunger, stabilising food prices, creating jobs, and strengthening domestic production, alongside emergency interventions in education, healthcare, and electricity with measurable targets.
Targets Out-of-School Children, Promises Healthcare in Every Ward
On education, Obi expressed concern over the number of children outside the formal school system, saying sustainable development is impossible while millions lack access to basic education.
Drawing on his experience as an Anambra governor, he argued that education must be treated as a fundamental investment in human capital.
“We must create a society where a child of nobody will be somebody without knowing anybody,” he said.
In healthcare, he renewed his pledge to establish a functional primary healthcare center in every ward within two years of assuming office, prioritising accessible care and preventable deaths.
Vows Electricity Sector Overhaul, Industrial Revival
Obi also promised emergency measures to improve electricity generation, transmission, and distribution, describing reliable power as essential to economic growth and job creation.
“We will declare emergency on generation, transmission, and distribution,” he said.
He argued that unreliable power continues to burden households and businesses, raising costs and limiting manufacturers.
He further called for the revival of industries nationwide, particularly manufacturing establishments that once supported employment, citing industrial decline in Kano as an example.
He said Nigeria must move from consumption and borrow to a production-driven economy.
NDC Targets Over 20% of Credit for Small Businesses
Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) featured prominently, with Obi promising improved access to financing and relief from multiple taxes.
He cited figures indicating Nigeria has more than 40 million SMEs, but they receive less than five percent of bank lending.
Obi promised that an NDC administration would ensure that over 20 percent of credit goes to small businesses, alongside tax holidays and incentives.
“We will put a mark to it. We will ensure that over 20% of credits will go to small businesses. We will support them,” he said.
Criticises Tinubu Over Foreign Trips, Demands Explanation of Spending
Obi criticised what he described as excessive foreign travel by President Tinubu, arguing that Nigeria needs a president devoted to domestic challenges.
He pledged to visit states and communities affected by insecurity, mentioning Plateau, Benue, Zamfara, Sokoto, and Borno, and to spend holidays within Nigeria, including in communities experiencing violence.
He challenged Tinubu to explain the achievements of his administration and account for resources generated and borrowed.
Warns Against Political Intimidation, Demands Credible Elections
Obi called on political actors to avoid harassing NDC supporters and others engaged in lawful political activities.
“Humility and civility are not weaknesses. It is a virtue. Good behaviour is not a weakness. It is a virtue,” he said.
He insisted the 2027 elections should be contested on ideas and credibility rather than intimidation.
“The revolution that is coming is a revolution of the ballot,” Obi declared, urging Nigerians to defend electoral integrity and demand free, fair, and credible elections.
Cleopas: NDC Will Not Tolerate Unfulfilled Promises
Earlier, National Chairman Senator Moses Cleopas described the gathering as an important milestone, saying the party was determined to distinguish itself through innovation, unity, and accountability.
Cleopas said the party conducted its primaries within a short period and that the dinner enabled candidates and stakeholders to interact and strengthen collective commitment.
He identified the inauguration of the campaign council and presentation of certificates of return as major assignments, disclosing that the certificates have security codes and warning against unauthorised claims to candidacy.
He challenged candidates to regard nominations as a responsibility to the electorate, insisting the NDC would not tolerate unfulfilled promises.
“If we fail to bring water for you in two years, if we open our mouths to say, vote for us again, please don’t vote for us,” he said.
“We are going for a rescue mission; the hope of this country is in NDC,” he declared.
Dickson Describes New Secretariat as NDC’s ‘Noah’s Ark’
The new secretariat is expected to provide a central base for administrative operations, strategic planning, and campaign coordination.
At the unveiling, National Leader Senator Seriake Dickson described the facility as the party’s “Noah’s Ark,” presenting it as a unifying centre as the party prepares for the 2027 elections.
With the inauguration of its campaign council and establishment of a central headquarters, the NDC is positioning itself for a nationwide campaign centred on accountability, economic recovery, improved public services and a new approach to leadership.
