2027: Obi Promises No Blame Game, Pledges Results From Day One

NDC Presidential Candidate Promises Emergency Action on Insecurity, Electricity and Hunger, Says SMEs Will Get Over 20% of Credit

The presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, has promised Nigerians a results-driven administration if elected in 2027, declaring that his government would focus on solving problems rather than blaming previous administrations.

Obi, who is running alongside former Kano State Governor Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso as his running mate, made the pledge on Monday in Abuja during the inauguration of the party’s National Presidential Campaign Council, the unveiling of its national secretariat and the presentation of certificates of return to candidates.

He said his administration would prioritise the fight against corruption, insecurity, hunger, unemployment and Nigeria’s persistent electricity challenges, promising measurable results from its first day in office.

According to Obi, public funds must be managed transparently and directed towards improving the welfare of citizens. He also called for accountability over government spending, alleging that capital expenditure under the 2023, 2024 and 2025 budgets remained below 20 per cent.

Promises Emergency Action on Security, Agriculture

The former Anambra State governor pledged to declare an emergency in the security sector, promising to demonstrate direct leadership in addressing kidnappings, attacks and other threats to lives and property.

He said he would visit communities affected by insecurity, including areas in Plateau, Benue, Zamfara, Sokoto and Borno states.

Obi also promised an agricultural emergency, particularly in northern Nigeria, arguing that securing farming communities would enable farmers to return to their fields, boost food production, create jobs and reduce food prices.

He maintained that Nigeria must shift from an economy driven by consumption and borrowing towards one built on production, industrial development and job creation.

Promises Better Education, Healthcare and Electricity

On education, Obi expressed concern over the number of out-of-school children, stressing that every Nigerian child should have access to opportunities regardless of family background or connections.

In healthcare, he renewed his promise to establish a functional primary healthcare centre in every ward within two years of assuming office.

He also pledged emergency interventions in electricity generation, transmission and distribution, describing reliable power supply as essential to business growth, industrialisation and employment.

SMEs to Receive Over 20% of Credit

Obi further promised to improve access to financing for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), arguing that small businesses require stronger financial support to expand and create jobs.

He said an NDC-led government would ensure that more than 20 per cent of credit goes to small businesses, alongside tax holidays and other incentives to encourage production and employment.

The presidential candidate also criticised what he described as excessive foreign trips by President Bola Tinubu, arguing that greater attention should be devoted to Nigeria’s domestic challenges.

He urged political actors to embrace civility and refrain from intimidating supporters of opposition parties, insisting that the 2027 elections should be determined by ideas and the will of voters rather than violence.

NDC Campaign Council Warns Against Electoral Violence

Meanwhile, Chairman of the NDC Campaign Advisory Council, BD Lawal, urged party members to guard against electoral violence and attempts to manipulate the 2027 general elections.

Lawal called on members to monitor voting, collation and the announcement of results, stressing that the party would not tolerate attacks on its supporters.

He maintained that electoral success should be determined at polling units rather than through prolonged courtroom battles.

Earlier, NDC National Chairman, Senator Moses Cleopas, charged the party’s candidates to treat their nominations as a responsibility to the electorate, warning that voters should hold elected officials accountable for unfulfilled promises.

The party also unveiled its national secretariat at 393 Etang Obuli Crescent, Jabi, Abuja, which is expected to serve as its administrative headquarters and campaign coordination centre ahead of the 2027 general elections.