2027: Obi Pledges Unity, Security, Jobs for Nigerians, if elected 

From Attah Ede, Makurdi

The Presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, has pledged to unite Nigeria, tackle insecurity, combat unemployment and reposition the country for sustainable economic growth if elected president in 2027.

Obi made the commitment on Wednesday during a town hall meeting with Benue residents and NDC supporters in Makurdi, the state capital, where he unveiled his policy priorities and outlined his vision for a transformed Nigeria.

The former Anambra State governor said his administration would prioritize national unity, security, economic productivity and accountable leadership, insisting that these were fundamental to addressing the country’s mounting political, economic and social challenges.

He lamented that Nigeria had become increasingly divided along ethnic and religious lines, stressing that restoring national cohesion would be central to his proposed administration.

“Our number one commitment is to unite Nigeria because today we have no unity. We are divided along tribal and religious lines. That should not be. We are Nigerians,” he said.

On insecurity, Obi described the situation as a major national challenge requiring urgent and decisive intervention, promising to create an environment where citizens could live, work and conduct legitimate businesses without fear of attacks, kidnapping and other violent crimes.

He assured Nigerians that protecting lives and property would be a major responsibility of his government, adding that no citizen should continue to live under the threat of violence or fear for the safety of family members.

“I will secure Nigeria. It is our duty to ensure that Nigerians live in safety, in a country where people are no longer killed daily and where schoolchildren are no longer kidnapped.

“We will ensure that all Nigerians go to bed with their two eyes closed. We will care for everyone,” he declared.

The NDC presidential candidate expressed concern over the emotional and psychological consequences of insecurity on Nigerian families, particularly mothers, widows and children who have suffered the loss of loved ones to violent attacks.

He promised to build a society where families would no longer be subjected to the trauma of losing their loved ones to preventable violence, while guaranteeing security across communities, including Benue State, which has experienced persistent security challenges.

Obi also identified youth unemployment as another critical national problem, describing the situation as unacceptable and promising to introduce policies that would expand employment opportunities and improve the economic prospects of young Nigerians.

According to him, his proposed administration would demonstrate greater commitment to youth development through job creation, investment in education, improved healthcare delivery and the establishment of an enabling environment for businesses to thrive.

He further pledged that his government would strengthen the fight against kidnapping, terrorism and other criminal activities, insisting that perpetrators of violent crimes would face prosecution.

On the economy, Obi advocated a fundamental shift from a consumption-driven economy to one anchored on production, investment and wealth creation.

He argued that Nigeria must move beyond excessive dependence on consumption and focus on developing its productive capacity, stimulating local industries and creating opportunities for sustainable economic advancement.

“We will fight corruption, revive primary healthcare and remove Nigeria from consumption to production,” he stated.

The former governor maintained that tackling corruption, strengthening public institutions and promoting accountability would be essential to ensuring that public resources were deployed for the benefit of ordinary Nigerians.

He added that investments in primary healthcare and education would form important pillars of his proposed development agenda.

Obi’s engagement with Benue residents formed part of his political outreach ahead of the 2027 general elections, during which he presented his proposed solutions to some of the country’s most pressing challenges.