By Precious Mark
The presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, has officially launched his campaign for the 2027 Presidential and National Assembly elections, unveiling an economic intervention plan aimed at lifting over 140 million Nigerians out of poverty.
Addressing journalists, party leaders and supporters at a press conference in Abuja on Friday, the former Anambra State Governor stated that the official start of campaigns presents Nigerians with a vital opportunity to interrogate the records and strategies of candidates seeking national leadership.
Obi anchored the launch on grave economic statistics, claiming that 63% of the population, representing over 140 million citizens, currently live at or below the national poverty line.
He added that humanitarian agencies project 35 million people will require food assistance during the 2026 lean season, while 3.6 million Nigerians remain internally displaced due to lingering insecurity.
“These are more than statistics. They reflect the daily realities of Nigerian families, farmers, workers, students, and businesses,” Obi stated.
“Yet I do not believe Nigeria lacks the ability to overcome these 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.”
Reflecting on his leadership background, Obi stressed that public office must be treated as a trust to deliver measurable outcomes rather than political patronage, promising to apply the fiscal discipline and human capital investments that marked his tenure as governor.
He also highlighted the strength of his running mate, former Kano State Governor, Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, noting that Kwankwaso’s past achievements in mass education, technical training, and infrastructure complement their joint vision for human-capital development and national growth.
Outlining their core policy objectives, Obi pledged to pivot Nigeria from a consumption-based economy to an aggressive production model. Key aspects of the blueprint include securing agrarian communities against banditry, expanding irrigation, improving rural transport networks, and boosting local agro-processing to expand exports.
He urged citizens to evaluate all presidential contenders based on practical metrics—such as food affordability, security, job creation, and ease of doing business—expressing confidence that his proposed administration will lay the foundation for sustainable national growth.