The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) has adopted Peter Obi as its presidential candidate for the 2027 general elections.
Accepting the nomination on Saturday in Abuja, the former Anambra State governor pledged to increase Nigeria’s electricity generation and distribution by at least 10,000 megawatts within four years if elected.
He also committed to transforming the economy, tackling insecurity, creating jobs, and ending widespread hunger through targeted investments in key sectors.
Mr Obi stated that his administration would prioritise transparency, productivity, and national unity, stressing that Nigeria’s current challenges demand urgent and decisive leadership.
Power Sector Overhaul Central to Economic Growth
A key highlight of his address was the promise to overhaul the power sector, which he described as central to economic growth and industrial development.
“Nigeria today is the nation with the highest number of citizens lacking access to electricity globally,” he said.
According to him, Nigeria generates and distributes approximately 4,000 megawatts of electricity to a population exceeding 200 million – a figure he described as grossly inadequate. Comparing Nigeria with countries such as South Africa and Egypt, which generate over 40,000 megawatts despite smaller populations, Mr Obi noted that the gap reflects a major structural challenge.
“Over the next four years, I commit to ensuring a minimum of 10,000 megawatt increase in power generation and distribution,” he said.
Security, Healthcare, and Education Promises
On security, Mr Obi pledged to deploy intelligence-driven and technology-based approaches while addressing root causes such as poverty, unemployment, and social exclusion.
He also promised to strengthen the healthcare system, including increasing health insurance coverage from about 10 per cent to over 20 per cent within four years. His administration would raise healthcare spending to at least 10 per cent of GDP and ensure that every one of Nigeria’s 8,809 political wards has a functional primary healthcare centre.
On education, Mr Obi pledged increased investment in schools, teacher training, technology, and vocational skills development, describing human capital as the foundation of national transformation.
He expressed concern over rising food insecurity, noting that over 35 million Nigerians are projected to face acute hunger despite the country’s agricultural potential.
“We have absolutely no justification for being among the world’s hungriest nations,” he said, adding that his government would prioritise agricultural productivity to shift Nigeria from consumption to production.
Mr Obi also promised targeted support for micro, small, and medium enterprises through tax incentives, access to affordable credit, and job-creation policies aimed at empowering young Nigerians.
NDC Leaders Rally Behind Obi
Earlier, the NDC National Leader, Seriake Dickson, presented the party’s flag to Mr Obi, describing it as “a symbol of victory for Nigerians”.
The National Chairman of the party, Moses Cleopas, stated that the NDC had recorded significant growth within three months of its registration and was positioned to offer Nigerians a credible alternative ahead of the 2027 polls. (NAN)
