Peter Obi brought his presidential campaign to Enugu this week with a promise of sweeping reforms and a direct challenge to the incumbent government.
The National Democratic Congress (NDC) candidate pledged to generate, transmit and distribute at least 10,000 megawatts of electricity if elected in 2027.
He also vowed to tackle insecurity, corruption and unemployment through what he called leadership defined by “competence, capacity, compassion, commitment and character.”
Obi painted a grim picture of Nigeria’s current situation during a town hall meeting, citing widespread hunger and insecurity as reasons the 2027 election will be crucial.
“Today, our country is suffering. Today, people are hungry. Today, our children do not have employment. Today, Nigeria is not secure,” he said.
A Promise to Secure Nigeria
The former Anambra State governor said his administration would confront insecurity directly.
“As president of Nigeria, I will unite Nigeria. As president of Nigeria, I will secure Nigeria. We will deal with security,” he declared.
On corruption, Obi said public resources must benefit citizens. He pledged greater transparency and accountability in government spending.
“People must stop stealing public money. Public money must be used for public good. That is why I am making my commitment. We will be accountable, we will be open,” he said.
He also promised to ensure Nigerians are informed about why the government borrows money and how those funds are spent.
Electricity, Education and Healthcare Top Agenda
Obi identified electricity as a critical driver of industrialisation and job creation. He pledged to deliver at least 10,000 megawatts through generation, transmission and distribution.
“As I promised, we will generate, transmit and distribute at least 10,000 megawatts of electricity, because we want industrial work,” he said.
He also committed to declaring emergencies in education and the fight against corruption, and to ensuring access to primary healthcare in every ward.
A Challenge to the President
Obi challenged President Bola Tinubu to embark on a nationwide campaign tour to explain his administration’s performance over the past three years, particularly regarding borrowed funds.
“We are asking him: ‘Please spend at least 36 days and go round Nigeria and tell them what you have been doing for the past three years,’” Obi said.
He further questioned the use of funds he alleged the Federal Government had borrowed.
“We must go round Nigeria and tell them what he used nearly $100 billion he borrowed for,” he added. The figure could not be independently verified.
Obi urged other presidential aspirants to tour the country and present concrete solutions rather than concentrate political activities in Abuja.
Utomi Backs Obi-Kwankwaso Alliance
Meanwhile, political economist Professor Pat Utomi expressed support for a political combination involving Obi and former Kano State governor Rabiu Kwankwaso.
He described the partnership as a potential alternative to Nigeria’s current direction.
“We come before you to say to you that we have done our research and I know, that I know, that I know, that a combination of Peter Obi and Rabiu Kwankwaso will deliver Nigeria,” Utomi said.
Utomi also claimed Obi would strengthen the naira to ₦500 per dollar if elected. He projected that a loaf of bread could drop from ₦1,750 to ₦800 and a 50kg bag of imported rice from ₦55,000 to ₦27,500.
However, Utomi did not specify a timeline for achieving the exchange rate target or outline the monetary measures required.
As of Friday, the naira traded at ₦1,346.86 per dollar at the official Nigerian Foreign Exchange Market (NFEM), meaning the proposed rate would require a 63% appreciation.
