Peter Obi, the presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress, has stated that he will spend his holidays in various Nigerian states if elected President in the 2027 general elections. In his Independence Day address delivered in Abuja, Obi vowed to use his four-year tenure to travel across the country, interact with Nigerians, and better understand their challenges. He emphasized that he would lead by example.
Obi specified that he would spend his holidays in states such as Zamfara, Borno, Kwara, Ebonyi, Edo, and Ekiti. He expressed a desire to continue exploring Nigeria, understanding its people, and celebrating their resilience. The former Anambra governor promised that his administration would prioritize the welfare and productivity of Nigerians, making governance measurable and accountable.
Obi criticized the current administration, led by the All Progressives Congress, for failing to address the country's challenges despite promises made in 2023. He noted that Nigeria continues to grapple with widespread poverty, a large population of out-of-school children, and persistent insecurity caused by terrorism, banditry, and kidnapping. According to Obi, the country's major challenge is not a lack of resources but the failure of successive leaders to convert those resources into human development, productivity, security, and shared prosperity.
The NDC presidential candidate recounted his recent visit to Sokoto State with his running mate, Rabiu Kwankwaso. During their visit, they held consultations on issues such as insecurity, poverty, unemployment, drug abuse, and out-of-school children. Obi described the hardship faced by thousands of displaced women and children at an internally displaced persons camp in Ramin Kura, Sokoto metropolis.
Obi emphasized that he would tackle insecurity decisively, enabling farmers to return to their farms, children to return to school, and businesses to operate freely. He promised that no Nigerian would be forced to live in an IDP camp due to government failure to provide security. The former Anambra governor also drew a comparison with political leaders in other countries, arguing that a Nigerian president should reflect a strong connection with the country and its people.
A month prior to his Independence Day address, Obi criticized the practice of past and current presidents spending their holidays abroad. He argued that an elected president should remain in the country and use such periods to engage directly with citizens. Obi stated that he would mandate domestic vacations for the president if elected.
When asked about the security implications of spending vacation time in states affected by insurgency and banditry, particularly Borno, Obi maintained that the President should not use security concerns as a reason to leave Nigeria during holidays. He reiterated his commitment to visiting areas facing serious security and developmental challenges as President.
Key points
- Peter Obi pledges to spend holidays in troubled states if elected President.
- Obi criticizes current administration for failing to address country's challenges.
- Obi promises to tackle insecurity and prioritize welfare and productivity of Nigerians.
