2027: Time to Rescue Nigeria Has Come, Peter Obi Tells NDC Convention

Frontline presidential aspirant of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, has declared that the time has come for Nigerians to unite and rescue the country from its current challenges ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Obi made the call on Saturday while addressing delegates at the maiden national convention of the NDC in Abuja.

The former Labour Party presidential candidate said Nigeria was at a critical point and required courageous and purposeful leadership to restore national unity, economic productivity and democratic governance.

“Our choice as a people is therefore clear: whether to surrender to despair and national decline, or to summon the courage to rescue our country and rebuild it on the foundations of unity, equity, justice, competence, and productivity,” Obi stated.

He stressed the need for national unity, saying no region, religion or ethnic group could achieve prosperity in isolation.

“Where we are now, national unity is no longer optional; it is a national necessity. We must rise above ethnicity, religion, region, and political divisions to recover the soul of our nation,” he said.

Obi also advocated a shift from a consumption-driven economy to a productive economy anchored on agriculture and manufacturing.

According to him, special attention should be given to unlocking the agricultural potential of Northern Nigeria and linking it with industrial production across the federation.

“We must deliberately support agriculture and manufacturing so they become the highest contributors to our Gross Domestic Product,” he added.

The former Anambra governor said Nigeria could no longer afford policies that undermine the future of young people, insisting that competent and compassionate leadership remained key to tackling insecurity, unemployment, corruption and poverty.

“Our youths must no longer be viewed as problems to manage but as assets to empower,” he said.

Obi also criticised the state of democracy in the country, alleging that some individuals who once fought for justice were now supporting electoral manipulation and political intimidation.

“What we are witnessing is not politics; it is a systematic assault on democracy and the will of the people,” he stated.

He lamented the worsening economic and security conditions in the country, claiming that millions of Nigerians were living in poverty while businesses continued to shut down.

According to him, “Nigeria today stands at a dangerous crossroads. Our democracy is under severe threat. Our nation is drifting without direction, and our people are passing through immense suffering.”

Also speaking at the convention, former Kano State Governor and 2023 presidential candidate of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, said the decision to zone the party’s presidential ticket to the South was necessary for national healing.

“This represents a true opportunity for real national healing,” Kwankwaso said.

Highlights of the convention included the zoning of the NDC presidential position to the South as well as the confirmation and inauguration of party officials.