Presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, has urged voters in the South-East region to reject ethnic and state-based divisions and support candidates based on competence and capacity to deliver. Speaking at a political summit in Abakaliki, Ebonyi State capital, Obi emphasized that his presidential ambition should not be viewed through the prism of ethnicity or regional identity. He stressed that he is seeking the support of Nigerians due to his qualifications and capacity to lead the country.
Obi's remarks appear to be a response to recent divisive comments by Minister of Works, Dave Umahi, which sought to pitch Ebonyi State against Anambra State, where Obi hails from. Obi cautioned against attempts to divide the South-East, stating that voters should focus on a candidate's qualifications rather than their ethnic or regional background. He emphasized that his goal is to unite the country under a common national identity, rather than ethnic affiliations.
Obi also criticized President Bola Tinubu over his reported reluctance to campaign across all 36 states ahead of the 2027 general election. Obi argued that Tinubu's position raises questions about his capacity to govern. He challenged Tinubu to account for his administration's performance, particularly its borrowing and use of public funds over the past three years. Obi questioned Tinubu's fitness to continue in office, declaring that the President lacks the competence and energy required to lead the country.
In outlining his priorities if elected president, Obi stated that his administration would declare emergencies in critical sectors, including national unity, security, education, healthcare, agriculture, and the fight against corruption. He emphasized that national unity would be a major priority, stressing that Nigerians should be united by a common national identity rather than ethnic affiliations. Obi also promised decisive action against criminal groups, particularly those responsible for abducting schoolchildren and other vulnerable Nigerians.
On education, Obi cited the estimated 18 million out-of-school children in Nigeria, promising to make reducing the figure a priority. He also pledged to tackle hunger by supporting farmers to return to their farms, increase food production, and develop the capacity to export agricultural produce. Additionally, Obi promised functional healthcare facilities across all political wards in the country, arguing that Nigeria has sufficient resources to provide basic healthcare at the grassroots.
Obi further emphasized his commitment to fighting corruption, warning that anyone found stealing public funds would face prosecution, irrespective of their position. He declared that public money must be used for public good and that nobody would steal public funds again. Obi also promised to equip security agencies to ensure that the country is safe and that the government takes responsibility for protecting lives and property.
The NDC presidential candidate's visit to Ebonyi State is seen as a significant move ahead of the 2027 general election, with concerns that attempts to exploit differences among South-East states could undermine regional solidarity and influence the political choices of voters. Obi's message of unity and his promise to focus on competence and capacity to deliver are expected to resonate with voters in the region.
Key points
- Peter Obi urges South-East unity, rejects ethnic divisions
- Obi criticizes President Tinubu's leadership, questions his competence
- Obi outlines priorities, including national unity, security, education, and healthcare emergencies
