The Presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, on Friday formally launched his campaign for Nigeria’s 2027 presidential election, unveiling a manifesto centred on transforming Nigeria’s economy from consumption to production.
Speaking at a press conference in Onitsha, Anambra State, to mark the commencement of campaigns for the presidential and National Assembly elections, Obi said his administration would prioritise production, investment, enterprise and human capital development to stimulate sustainable economic growth.
Running alongside Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso as his vice-presidential candidate, the former Anambra State governor said Nigeria must reduce its dependence on imports by strengthening domestic production and industrial capacity.
“Nigeria cannot import its way to prosperity. We will produce more of what we consume, process more of what we produce, and compete more effectively in global markets,” Obi said.
He identified agriculture, manufacturing, technology, construction, energy, creative industries and services as priority sectors, pledging policies aimed at creating a more favourable environment for investment, job creation and business expansion.
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Obi also promised to strengthen agriculture through improved security, irrigation, rural road networks, storage facilities, access to finance and expanded market opportunities, while promoting manufacturing and agro-processing.
The NDC candidate described poverty, food insecurity, unemployment, internal displacement, weak infrastructure, unreliable electricity, insecurity and the high cost of doing business as major constraints to Nigeria’s development.
Despite the challenges, he maintained that Nigeria possesses the human and natural resources needed to achieve broad-based economic growth.
According to Obi, public spending under his administration would be subject to greater accountability, with government expenditure tied to clearly defined objectives and measurable outcomes.
“Every naira spent by government must have a clear purpose, and major public investments must produce measurable outcomes,” he said.
Security
Peter Obi described insecurity as one of the greatest obstacles to economic development, arguing that citizens cannot farm, travel, trade or invest when their safety is not guaranteed.
He proposed improved intelligence gathering, stronger coordination among security agencies, enhanced policing and border management, greater deployment of technology and lawful community-based mechanisms for early threat detection.
The presidential candidate also pledged to strengthen education by improving basic education, universities and technical and vocational training, while expanding access to healthcare through improved maternal and child health services, essential medicines and better support for healthcare workers.
He said Nigeria’s poor health indicators continue to undermine human capital development and national productivity.
Regional Development Plan
Obi outlined a regional economic development plan designed to allow each geopolitical zone to leverage its comparative advantages.
Under the proposal, the North-West would focus on agriculture, livestock, irrigation, agro-processing and manufacturing, while the North-East would prioritise reconstruction, agriculture, education and enterprise.
The North-Central would strengthen food production, processing and responsible mineral development, while the South-West would build on its strengths in manufacturing, technology, finance, trade and the creative economy.
He said the South-East would expand its entrepreneurial and industrial base through improved infrastructure and investment, while the South-South would focus on oil and gas, maritime services, fisheries, agriculture and environmental protection.
“Every region must produce. Every region must contribute. Every region must benefit,” he said.
Open Campaign
Obi also challenged other presidential candidates to campaign personally before Nigerians rather than rely on surrogates, saying those seeking the nation’s highest office should submit their records, credentials and policy proposals to public scrutiny.
“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.
He pledged that he and Kwankwaso would campaign across the country, engaging directly with voters and listening to their concerns.
The presidential hopeful urged Nigerians to evaluate candidates based on competence, character and policy proposals rather than ethnicity or religion, while calling for a peaceful, issue-based campaign free from propaganda, elitism and cronyism.
“The campaign marks the beginning of a journey to reset Nigeria by uniting the country, securing it and placing it on the path of inclusive economic growth. A New Nigeria is possible,” Obi said.
The NDC presidential candidate added that the 2027 election offers Nigerians an opportunity to assess the records, ideas and programmes of those seeking to lead the country amid persistent economic and security challenges.
