Peter Obi, the National Democratic Congress presidential candidate, has accused the ruling All Progressives Congress of exacerbating poverty and insecurity in Nigeria. Speaking in Sokoto during a town hall meeting with party members and supporters, Obi outlined his plans for security, education, agriculture, transportation, and economic development. He alleged that the APC-led administration had failed to provide basic infrastructure and social interventions for Nigerians, leading to worsening economic hardship.
Obi claimed that the current administration had abandoned citizens without basic infrastructure and interventions, resulting in Nigeria becoming the most poverty-stricken country in the world. He promised to restore citizens' confidence in governance if elected in 2027. An NDC administration would prioritize security, education, and agriculture in its efforts to rebuild the economy and restore hope among Nigerians. Obi emphasized that his party has the capacity and visionary policies to reverse the system rot.
On transportation, Obi described an efficient railway system as critical to economic growth, promising to expand rail connectivity across the country. He specifically promised to pursue rail links connecting Sokoto, Kebbi, and Zamfara states with other parts of the North-West and the country. Obi's administration would also prioritize coordination between the president and vice-president, with his proposed partnership with Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso ensuring both leaders work towards the same objectives.
Obi addressed the issue of fuel subsidy, promising to introduce a transparent system that would ensure Nigerians benefit from government interventions while eliminating opportunities for corruption. He described the previous subsidy regime as having been undermined by corruption, vowing to establish greater transparency in the management of the country's oil and gas resources. Obi and Kwankwaso would initiate a work plan to transparently track crude transactions, imports, exports, and revenue.
Obi pledged to work with state governors, particularly in the North, to address insecurity and its impact on local economies. Banditry, kidnapping, and terrorism have disrupted economic activities and development in many communities across the region. He also promised to support farmers through fertilizer subsidies and other agricultural interventions aimed at increasing food production and strengthening food security.
Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, the NDC vice-presidential candidate, accused the APC administration of failing to adequately address the challenges confronting Nigerians, particularly insecurity in the North-West. Kwankwaso urged residents of Sokoto, Zamfara, Kebbi, Kano, Kaduna, Katsina, and Jigawa states to demand improved security and better economic opportunities. He described the Obi-Kwankwaso ticket as an attempt to provide a different approach to governance.
Obi and Kwankwaso also paid a courtesy visit to the Sultan of Sokoto, Muhammadu Sa'ad Abubakar III, seeking his blessings ahead of the 2027 general elections. The NDC governorship candidate in Sokoto State, Shamsuddeen Haido, urged party members and supporters to intensify mobilization ahead of the 2027 elections. The state chairman of the party, Bello Sani Yabo, assured that the party remained committed to working for victory in Sokoto State.
Key points
- Peter Obi blames APC for rising poverty and insecurity in Nigeria.
- Obi promises to prioritize security, education, and agriculture if elected in 2027.
- Obi and Kwankwaso propose a transparent fuel subsidy system to eliminate corruption.
