Obi Challenges 2027 Candidates to Face Nigerians, Unveils ‘Consumption to Production’ Agenda

By Chimezie Godfrey

Presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, has challenged contenders in the 2027 presidential election to come before Nigerians, defend their records and subject their campaign promises to public scrutiny, declaring that candidates who hide behind proxies may lack the capacity to govern the country.

Obi made the declaration on Friday, August 21, 2026, while addressing a press conference to mark the commencement of the 2027 Presidential and National Assembly campaigns.

The NDC candidate said the campaign period offered Nigerians an opportunity to critically examine the records, ideas and programmes of those seeking their mandate at a time the country is facing severe economic hardship, insecurity, unemployment and other challenges.

“I enter this contest with one firm conviction: Nigeria can work, and Nigeria must work,” Obi declared.

He said the scale of Nigeria’s economic and humanitarian challenges demanded a leadership focused on measurable results rather than promises, citing figures which he said showed that 63 per cent, or more than 140 million Nigerians, live at or below the national poverty line.

According to him, humanitarian agencies estimate that 35 million Nigerians will require food assistance during the 2026 lean season, while about 3.6 million people remain internally displaced, largely as a result of conflict and insecurity.

Obi said the figures were not merely statistics but a reflection of the daily realities of families, farmers, workers, students and businesses across the country.

He, however, expressed optimism that Nigeria possesses the human and material resources required to overcome its challenges.

“We have the people, resources, market, talent, and enterprise. What we must do now is turn these strengths into security, productivity, and shared prosperity,” he said.

The former Anambra State governor said his experience in the private sector, academic exposure and tenure as governor had shaped his understanding of responsible governance.

He said public office must be treated as a responsibility rather than a reward, stressing that government must manage resources prudently, establish clear priorities and measure the outcomes of its policies.

Obi also highlighted the governing experience of his running mate, Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, saying the former Kano State governor had focused on education, technical training, scholarships, infrastructure and human-capital development.

“Our experiences are different, but our conclusion is the same: Nigeria must invest in its people and manage public resources with discipline,” he said.

On the economy, Obi said his administration would move beyond what he described as reactive reforms by placing production, investment, enterprise and human capital at the centre of national development.

He said Nigerians should judge government by practical questions, including whether citizens could afford food, education and healthcare, whether businesses could expand and create jobs, whether young people could secure productive employment and whether farmers could safely access their farms and markets.

According to him, his administration would improve agricultural productivity by securing farming communities, expanding irrigation, improving rural roads and storage facilities, and connecting farmers to finance and markets.

He also promised to strengthen manufacturing and agro-processing to enable Nigeria to export more finished products and derive greater value from its resources.

“Every naira should have a clear purpose, and major public investments should have measurable outcomes,” Obi said.

He said the objective would not simply be economic growth but an economy capable of producing more, employing more people, creating wealth and improving living standards.

On security, Obi said no country could prosper when citizens could not safely live, farm, travel or conduct businesses.

He called for improved intelligence gathering and coordination among security agencies, stronger policing and border management, and greater use of technology.

He also advocated the decentralisation of security management, while stressing the need for strong coordination between different levels of government.

According to him, security policy must also tackle the socio-economic conditions that make vulnerable young people susceptible 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.

Obi further unveiled a production-driven economic strategy aimed at reducing Nigeria’s dependence on imports.

“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,” he said.

He identified agriculture, manufacturing, technology, construction, energy, creative industries and services as key sectors capable of driving national transformation.

The presidential candidate also described Nigeria’s youthful population as an opportunity rather than a burden, promising investments in basic education, universities, technical and vocational training.

He said the country needed not only doctors, engineers, scientists and lawyers, but also technicians, mechanics, builders, nurses, farmers, programmers, manufacturers, artisans and entrepreneurs.

On healthcare, Obi said the country’s poor health indicators required urgent intervention, promising to strengthen primary healthcare, improve maternal and child health, expand access to essential medicines and equip healthcare workers.

He also outlined a regional development strategy under which every part of the country would be expected to contribute to national productivity while benefiting from economic growth.

He said the North-West could expand agriculture, livestock, irrigation, agro-processing and manufacturing; the North-East could accelerate reconstruction and expand agriculture, education and regional trade; while the North-Central could strengthen food production and responsibly develop its mineral resources.

According to him, the South-West could consolidate its strengths in manufacturing, technology, finance, trade and the creative economy, while the South-East could expand its entrepreneurial and industrial base through improved infrastructure, connectivity and investment.

He said the South-South should derive greater value from oil and gas while expanding maritime services, fisheries and agriculture, with stronger environmental protection.

Obi added that the Federal Capital Territory should demonstrate what efficient urban planning, transportation, housing, sanitation, security and public services could achieve.

“Every region must produce. Every region must contribute. Every region must benefit,” he declared.

The NDC candidate also promised to reduce wasteful government expenditure while protecting investments in education, healthcare, security and infrastructure.

He said sustainable development required institutions capable of surviving beyond individual administrations.

Turning to the conduct of the 2027 campaign, Obi urged Nigerians to examine the records and proposals of all candidates, ask difficult questions and demand evidence behind political promises.

What do you think about this?
Drop your opinion in the comment section.
FOLLOW US & Share this with someone who needs to see this.