ONITSHA, Anambra State — Presidential candidate of the Nigerian Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, has formally commenced his campaign for the 2027 presidential election, declaring that Nigeria “can work” and “must work” despite the country’s economic, security and social challenges.
Obi made the declaration on Friday, August 21, 2026, while addressing Nigerians and members of the press in Onitsha, Anambra State, as political parties and candidates begin preparations for the 2027 presidential and National Assembly elections. Reports also confirm that the NDC has directed its candidates to commence campaign activities nationwide.
The former Anambra State governor said the campaign period should provide Nigerians with an opportunity to examine the records, ideas and programmes of those seeking political office.
“I enter this contest with one firm conviction: Nigeria can work, and Nigeria must work,” Obi said.
He identified poverty, insecurity, unemployment, weak infrastructure, unreliable electricity and the high cost of doing business among the major challenges confronting the country.
Obi argued that the country’s problems should not be viewed merely through statistics, saying they affect the daily lives of families, farmers, workers, students and businesses.
According to him, Nigeria possesses the population, resources, talent, market and entrepreneurial capacity required to overcome its difficulties, but needs effective leadership and systems capable of converting those advantages into security, productivity and shared prosperity.
Obi Promises Production-Driven Economy
A major focus of the campaign, Obi said, would be transforming Nigeria from a predominantly consumption-driven economy into one centred on production.
“Nigeria cannot import its way to prosperity,” he said, outlining plans to increase agricultural productivity, strengthen manufacturing and agro-processing, improve access to finance and markets, and create a business environment where entrepreneurs can invest, employ workers and expand.
He also promised responsible management of public finances, arguing that every naira spent by government should have a clear purpose and that major public investments should produce measurable outcomes.
“The goal is not growth for its own sake, but an economy that produces more, employs more people, creates wealth, and improves living standards,” he said.
Obi said agriculture, manufacturing, technology, construction, energy, creative industries and services would all have roles to play in expanding Nigeria’s productive capacity.
Security as Campaign Priority
The NDC candidate also placed insecurity at the centre of his campaign message, saying no country could prosper when citizens could not safely farm, travel, attend school or conduct business.
He proposed improved intelligence gathering and coordination among security agencies, stronger policing and border management, greater use of technology and a more decentralised approach to security management while maintaining coordination between different levels of government.
Obi said security policy should also address the social and economic conditions that leave young people vulnerable to criminal recruitment.
“Farmers cannot produce food if they cannot reach their farms safely. Children lose the chance to learn when they cannot attend school safely. Businesses cannot create jobs when they cannot move goods securely,” he said.
Education, Healthcare and Youths
Obi described Nigeria’s young population as an opportunity rather than a burden, saying government must equip young Nigerians with the skills required to participate productively in the economy.
He promised to strengthen basic education, universities and technical and vocational training, while expanding opportunities for professionals, artisans, entrepreneurs and workers across different sectors.
He also identified healthcare as a key component of economic development, promising greater attention to primary healthcare, maternal and child health, access to essential medicines and the capacity of healthcare workers.
Obi Highlights Anambra Record, Mentions Kwankwaso
The former Anambra governor cited his experience in the private sector and his tenure as governor as part of the background shaping his approach to public leadership.
He said his administration in Anambra focused on education, healthcare, infrastructure, fiscal discipline and institutional capacity.
Obi also highlighted the experience of his running mate, Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, particularly his record as governor of Kano State in education, technical training, scholarships, infrastructure and human-capital development.
He said their experiences were different but had led them to a common conclusion that Nigeria must invest in its people and manage public resources responsibly.
Calls for Regional Economic Development
Obi said every part of Nigeria should contribute to and benefit from national economic development.
He identified agriculture, livestock, irrigation, agro-processing and manufacturing as opportunities for the North-West; reconstruction, agriculture, education and regional trade for the North-East; and food production, processing and responsible mineral development for the North-Central.
He said the South-West could build on manufacturing, technology, finance, trade and the creative economy, while the South-East could expand its entrepreneurial and industrial base through improved infrastructure and investment.
For the South-South, he identified oil and gas, maritime services, fisheries and agriculture as areas for greater value creation, alongside stronger environmental protection.
“Every region must produce. Every region must contribute. Every region must benefit,” Obi said.
Challenges Rivals to Face Nigerians
Obi also challenged other presidential candidates to engage voters directly, defend their records and subject their proposals to public scrutiny.
He said candidates should not rely on proxies or surrogates while avoiding direct engagement with Nigerians.
According to him, voters should ask difficult questions and demand evidence behind campaign promises.
“Nigerians deserve leaders who will engage them, listen to their concerns, and present clear solutions,” he said.
Obi urged Nigerians to scrutinise the records and proposals of all candidates and called for campaigns based on issues rather than ethnicity, religion, propaganda or violence.
“We should debate ideas without hatred, compete without violence, and disagree without weakening the bonds that unite us,” he said.
He further pledged that he and his running mate would travel across the country to engage directly with Nigerians rather than delegate the responsibility to political proxies.
Obi said his campaign would focus on uniting Nigeria, tackling insecurity, reducing poverty and hunger, improving education and healthcare, addressing the number of out-of-school children and building an economy that creates opportunities for citizens.
“A New Nigeria is possible,” he declared.
