Nigerians need president with competence, capacity, compassion, commitment – Peter Obi
Peter Obi Calls for New Leadership in Nigeria at NDC Campaign Council Inauguration
By Henry Umoru
ABUJA – Peter Obi, the presidential candidate for the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), has articulated the type of leadership he believes is necessary for Nigeria during the inauguration of the party’s National Presidential Campaign Council on Monday night in Abuja. The event also included the presentation of certificates to NDC candidates ahead of the upcoming general elections scheduled for January 16, 2027.
Obi, who previously served as the governor of Anambra State, criticized the current administration under President Bola Tinubu, stating it lacks the “competence, capacity, compassion, and commitment” needed to effectively tackle the nation’s pressing issues. He emphasized that Nigerians require a president who is present and responsive to their concerns.
“Everything is collapsing. Nigerians are looking for new leadership, and I can assure you that we will provide it,” Obi stated, underscoring the need for significant change in leadership and governance. He asserted that the nation cannot afford a government that fails to meet its citizens’ urgent needs.
The inauguration of the 118-member National Presidential Campaign Council follows an emergency meeting of the party’s National Executive Committee, which also included the launch of a new administrative headquarters in Jabi, Abuja. This headquarters is intended to coordinate campaign activities for the NDC in preparation for the 2027 elections.
Obi warned against electoral malpractice and pledged that the NDC would advocate for free, fair, and credible elections. He encouraged supporters to campaign for the party while cautioning against any attempts to intimidate NDC members or manipulate the electoral process.
Additionally, Obi painted a stark picture of Nigeria’s socioeconomic challenges, including poverty, unemployment, insecurity, and corruption, attributing them to the failures of the current government. He argued that the primary responsibility of any government is to address these challenges rather than assign blame.
Further emphasizing his commitment, Obi vowed to embark on a vigorous campaign against corruption, which he claimed undermines economic development and public services. He stressed the necessity for leaders to be accessible and engaged with citizens, especially in crisis situations such as insecurity and natural disasters.
In his address, he also outlined key priorities for his proposed administration, including:
- Establishing functional healthcare centers in every ward within two years.
- Addressing insecurity decisively and restoring peace in affected communities.
- Declaring an emergency in agriculture to revitalize farming activities, particularly in northern Nigeria.
- Enhancing access to education, significantly reducing the number of out-of-school children.
- Launching initiatives to improve the electricity sector, crucial for economic growth and job creation.
- Implementing measures to facilitate greater access to credit for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).
Obi’s campaign seeks to present an alternative to current governance, focusing on accountability and gradual improvements in public services and national welfare. He challenged the Tinubu administration to justify the economic hardship faced by citizens despite reported increases in government revenue and borrowing.
As Obi prepares for the upcoming elections, he emphasized the importance of a transparent political process that prioritizes civil engagement and the dissemination of ideas over intimidation and violence. He concluded by reiterating the need for presidential accessibility and a direct connection with the public, arguing that effective governance cannot occur from a distance.
The NDC’s National Campaign Council is designed to provide strategic leadership and mobilize support for the party’s vision for a new, just, and prosperous Nigeria.
