Peter Obi, presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), has unveiled his agenda for the 2027 elections, promising decisive action against corruption, insecurity, poverty and unemployment.
Obi made the pledge on Monday, October 26, 2026, during an event in Abuja where the party unveiled its new national secretariat, inaugurated its Presidential Campaign Council and presented certificates of return to its candidates.
The former Anambra State governor, who is running alongside Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, said an NDC-led government would focus on delivering measurable improvements from its first day in office.
He outlined plans for emergency interventions in security, agriculture, education, healthcare and electricity. He also promised reforms to support small businesses, revive industries and improve the management of public funds.
The event followed the party’s Third National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting. Its new headquarters is located at 393 Etang Obuli Crescent, Jabi, Abuja.
NDC National Chairman Senator Moses Cleopas, National Leader Senator Seriake Dickson, Senator Victor Umeh, Rivers State governorship candidate Dumo Lulu-Briggs and Adamawa State governorship candidate Senator Aisha Binani attended the gathering alongside other party stakeholders.
Obi Promises Action, Not Excuses
Speaking to party leaders and supporters, Obi said Nigeria needed a change in leadership and a stronger commitment to solving the problems affecting ordinary citizens.
He argued that the country’s resources had failed to deliver better living conditions for millions of Nigerians.
“The purpose of governance is to solve problems, not to blame people,” Obi said, adding that he and Kwankwaso would work towards building what he described as a new Nigeria.
He criticised President Bola Tinubu’s administration over worsening economic hardship. He also questioned whether increased government revenue and borrowing had produced sufficient improvements in living standards and development.
According to Obi, Nigerians want leaders who demonstrate competence, compassion and a willingness to respond to national challenges.
He maintained that an incoming administration should focus on improving conditions rather than repeatedly discussing the problems it inherited.
Obi Makes Anti-Corruption Pledge
Obi identified the fight against corruption as a central part of his campaign, promising to prevent the diversion of public funds and strengthen accountability in government.
He argued that corruption weakens public institutions, discourages investment and reduces the impact of government spending.
The presidential candidate also questioned how the federal government had used its revenue and borrowed funds. He called for explanations about the implementation of the 2023, 2024 and 2025 budgets.
Obi alleged that capital expenditure remained below 20 per cent and that some contractors faced difficulties receiving payment.
He challenged the administration to provide Nigerians with clear accounts of its spending, completed projects and achievements.
“We must stop people from stealing public money. We must use public money for the public good,” he said.
Obi added that public officials found guilty of corruption must face the law.
Security and Agriculture Top Obi’s Emergency Plans
The NDC candidate promised a more direct response to kidnapping, violent attacks and other security threats across the country.
He said the president must visit communities affected by violence and respond promptly when emergencies occur.
“If they say there is a problem in Jos, he will go to Jos,” Obi stated.
He also proposed an agricultural emergency, particularly in northern Nigeria, where insecurity has disrupted farming and restricted access to farmland.
Obi said securing farming communities would allow farmers to resume production, strengthen food supplies and support local industries.
He linked agricultural recovery to lower food prices, job creation and reduced hunger. He also promised targeted interventions in education, healthcare and electricity, with measurable performance goals.
Education and Healthcare Feature in Obi’s Agenda
On education, Obi expressed concern about the number of Nigerian children who remain outside the formal school system.
He said the country could not achieve sustainable development without expanding access to basic education and investing in human capital.
Drawing on his experience as Anambra governor, he stressed the need to create opportunities for children regardless of their family background or connections.
In healthcare, Obi renewed his promise to establish a functional primary healthcare centre in every ward within two years of assuming office.
He said the plan would improve access to essential medical services and help prevent avoidable deaths.
Obi Promises Electricity Reforms and Industrial Revival
Obi also pledged emergency action to improve electricity generation, transmission and distribution.
He described reliable power supply as essential to economic growth, manufacturing and employment, noting that poor electricity supply increases operating costs for households and businesses.
The NDC candidate called for the revival of industries across the country, citing the decline of manufacturing activities in Kano as an example of the challenges facing Nigeria’s productive sector.
He said the country must move away from an economy driven by consumption and borrowing towards one built on production.
NDC Targets More Credit for Small Businesses
Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) also featured prominently in Obi’s economic proposals.
He cited figures showing that Nigeria has more than 40 million SMEs, yet the businesses receive less than five per cent of bank lending.
Obi promised to increase the share of credit available to small businesses to more than 20 per cent.
He also proposed tax holidays and other incentives to help businesses grow, create jobs and contribute more to the economy.
“We will put a mark to it. We will ensure that over 20% of credits will go to small businesses. We will support them,” he said.
Obi Criticises Tinubu’s Foreign Trips
Obi criticised President Tinubu’s foreign travels, arguing that Nigeria needed a leader who devoted more attention to challenges at home.
He promised to visit communities affected by insecurity in Plateau, Benue, Zamfara, Sokoto and Borno states.
He also said he would spend holidays within Nigeria, including in areas experiencing violence, to maintain contact with affected communities.
The former governor challenged Tinubu to explain his administration’s achievements and account for the public resources it had generated and borrowed.
Obi Calls for Credible 2027 Elections
The NDC presidential candidate urged political actors to respect the rights of supporters and avoid intimidation during the campaign.
He said the 2027 elections should focus on policies, competence and credibility rather than harassment or political violence.
“Humility and civility are not weaknesses. It is a virtue. Good behaviour is not a weakness. It is a virtue,” he said.
Obi described the anticipated political change as a ballot-driven revolution and called on Nigerians to defend free, fair and credible elections.
Cleopas Warns NDC Candidates Against Broken Promises
Earlier, NDC National Chairman Moses Cleopas described the event as an important step in the party’s preparations for the 2027 elections.
He said the party aimed to distinguish itself through unity, innovation and accountability.
Cleopas explained that the inauguration of the Presidential Campaign Council and presentation of certificates of return were key parts of the gathering.
He added that the certificates contained security codes to guard against unauthorised claims to candidacy.
The chairman reminded candidates that their nominations came with responsibilities to voters. He warned that the party would not tolerate unfulfilled campaign promises.
“If we fail to bring water for you in two years, if we open our mouths to say, vote for us again, please don’t vote for us,” he said.
Cleopas described the NDC’s political mission as an effort to rescue the country and restore public confidence.
Dickson Calls NDC Secretariat Its ‘Noah’s Ark’
NDC National Leader Seriake Dickson described the newly unveiled secretariat as the party’s “Noah’s Ark”, presenting it as a symbol of unity ahead of the elections.
The facility will serve as the party’s administrative headquarters and a centre for strategic planning and campaign coordination.
With the new secretariat, an inaugurated campaign council and its candidates formally recognised, the NDC has entered another stage of preparations for the 2027 general elections.
The party says its campaign will focus on accountability, economic recovery, better public services and a different approach to governance.