Obi Flags Off 2027 Campaign in Onitsha, Urges Voters to Judge Candidates on Five Key Indicators

ONITSHA— The 2027 presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress, NDC, Mr. Peter Obi, on Saturday formally commenced his nationwide campaign in Onitsha, Anambra State, two days after the Independent National Electoral Commission lifted the ban on political campaigns.

Speaking at a news conference at his residence, Mr. Obi presented a five-point framework he said should guide voter decisions in the 2027 general elections. He also unveiled his policy priorities alongside his running mate, Dr. Rabiu Kwankwaso.

“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,” Mr. Obi stated.

The former Anambra State governor said his administration would prioritise security, poverty reduction, and human capital development. He pledged to address insecurity, reduce hunger and the number of out-of-school children, and improve access to education and healthcare.

Mr. Obi called on all presidential contenders to subject their records and policy proposals to public scrutiny rather than rely on proxies.
“No candidate should hide behind the high walls of power, send proxies or surrogates to the hustings, and expect Nigerians to entrust them with the leadership of the country,” he said.
“Every candidate seeking the presidency must have the courage to come before the people, answer their questions, defend their records, and subject their vision to public scrutiny.”

He added that effective leadership requires direct engagement with communities affected by insecurity, criminality, and natural disasters. “True leadership requires presence and empathy. No one can lead from the front without standing with communities across Nigeria devastated by banditry, criminality, terrorism, and flooding.”

Mr. Obi and Dr. Kwankwaso, he said, would personally tour the country to present their agenda.
“We will listen to them, understand their concerns, and engage them openly. We will not delegate this duty to proxies. We will answer questions, defend our record and character, and present our plan to rebuild Nigeria.”

Outlining his broader vision, Mr. Obi said his campaign would focus on national unity, economic growth driven by production, and inclusive governance. He urged citizens to evaluate candidates based on capacity, competence, compassion, character, and commitment, and to reject campaigns driven by ethnicity, religion, or propaganda.

“Democracy does not end on election day. Citizens must continue to demand transparency, accountability, and results from those entrusted with the mandate to govern,” he noted.

Citing the World Bank’s Nigeria Development Update of April 2026, Mr. Obi said the country’s challenge was to translate economic reforms into improved livelihoods. He said the NDC ticket would pursue fiscal discipline alongside productive investment to achieve that objective.

Mr. Obi concluded by calling for issue-based debate during the campaign period.
“We should debate ideas without hatred, compete without violence, and disagree without weakening the bonds that unite us. When Nigerians make their choice, that choice must be respected.”