Obi Promises Emergency Measures To Tackle Insecurity, Corruption, Hunger And Poverty

Obi Promises Emergency Measures to Tackle Insecurity, Corruption, Hunger and Poverty The presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, has promised to introduce emergency measures to address insecurity, corruption, hunger and poverty if elected president in the 2027 general election.

Obi made the pledge on Thursday during an interactive town hall meeting with supporters from different political backgrounds in Abakaliki, Ebonyi State. The former Anambra State governor said Nigeria needed purposeful leadership and effective management of its resources to achieve sustainable development and improve the living conditions of citizens. Obi argued that Nigeria had abundant arable land and natural resources capable of transforming its economy if properly harnessed. He said his proposed administration would prioritise production, particularly in agriculture and other productive sectors, to strengthen the economy, create employment and reduce poverty. According to him, Nigeria must move away from excessive dependence on consumption and focus on developing its productive capacity. He maintained that investing in agriculture and other sectors that generate goods, jobs and income would help address hunger and improve economic opportunities for Nigerians.The NDC candidate also addressed the Federal Government’s borrowing plans, arguing that loans were not necessarily harmful if the funds were directed towards investments capable of generating economic returns. He, however, criticised borrowing for what he described as consumption-oriented expenditure rather than productive projects. “Taking loans is not wrong in itself, but it becomes wrong when the government borrows to buy a yacht or a presidential plane for consumption purposes,” Obi said. He pledged that an administration under his leadership would ensure transparency in public borrowing, with Nigerians informed about why loans were obtained and how the funds would be spent. The former governor said accountability in the management of public finances was essential to ensuring that borrowed funds delivered measurable benefits to citizens. On insecurity, Obi promised to deploy modern technology and other effective measures to improve public safety across the country. He said protecting lives and property would be a priority under his proposed administration, regardless of where citizens lived. The presidential candidate argued that improved security was necessary for economic recovery, agricultural production and the resumption of normal activities in communities affected by violence. His proposed approach, he said, would focus on ensuring that Nigerians could live and work without fear. Obi also pledged to strengthen the fight against corruption, insisting that public officials found guilty of corrupt practices would face the consequences under the law. He said no individual, including the president, should be above legal accountability. The NDC candidate maintained that a system based on transparency, merit and the rule of law would give Nigerians greater confidence in public institutions. “My dream is to see a Nigeria where the son of a nobody can become somebody without knowing anybody,” he said. He argued that opportunities should be determined by ability and hard work rather than personal connections or political influence. During the meeting, Obi expressed satisfaction with the turnout of supporters and urged Nigerians to participate actively in the forthcoming elections. He described himself as the most credible candidate among the leading presidential contenders, citing his experience and leadership record. He also urged voters to protect their votes and take an active role in determining the country’s political future. The 2027 presidential contest is expected to feature President Bola Tinubu of the All Progressives Congress (APC), former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), and Obi of the NDC, among other candidates. Obi said Nigeria could achieve meaningful transformation if its resources were managed responsibly and its leadership focused on security, production, accountability and the welfare of citizens. His proposals place security, anti-corruption measures and poverty reduction at the centre of his campaign message ahead of the 2027 general election.