Obi Vows State of Emergency on Corruption, Education, Power

The presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress, Peter Obi, has pledged to declare an immediate state of emergency on corruption, education and power generation if elected president in 2027.

Obi made the pledge during a town hall meeting in Enugu State on Thursday as part of his nationwide tour, which recently took him to Nasarawa and Ebonyi states.

Addressing supporters, the former Anambra State governor said Nigeria needed a competent, energetic and compassionate leader capable of addressing insecurity and driving economic recovery.

He argued that the presidency required physical stamina, commitment and direct engagement with citizens rather than leadership from a distance.

“This job requires energy. As President of Nigeria, I will unite Nigeria, secure Nigeria and deal decisively with insecurity,” Obi said, adding that he would work alongside security operatives to tackle insecurity.

He said he would personally participate in efforts to rescue abducted children and other victims of kidnapping.

“I will not be president, and somebody will kidnap our children; we will enter the bush together. If there is a general bush, I will be in that bush with them,” he said.

On corruption, Obi said public funds must be used exclusively for the benefit of Nigerians, promising transparency and accountability under his proposed administration.

“People must stop stealing public money. Public money must be used for public good. We will be accountable, we will be open. If you want to borrow money, you will know what your money is being borrowed for,” he stated.

The NDC candidate also promised to declare an emergency in the education sector and improve access to healthcare, including the establishment of primary healthcare centres in every ward across the country.

On electricity, Obi pledged to increase power generation, transmission and distribution to at least 10,000 megawatts to support industrial development.

“As President, I have said we will generate, transmit and distribute at least 10,000 megawatts of electricity because we want industrial work,” he added.

Obi Questions Tinubu’s Foreign Travels

Taking a swipe at the administration of President Bola Tinubu, Obi questioned the impact of the President’s foreign travels and borrowing on the lives of ordinary Nigerians.

He challenged the President to spend at least 36 days touring Nigeria to explain his administration’s achievements and account for public funds.

“Our president has travelled out of this country over 350 times. Now we are asking him, please spend at least 36 days and go round Nigeria and tell the people what you have been doing for the past three years. You must come and tell us where our money is. All the money you earned, we want to know what it was used for,” Obi said.

He also challenged other presidential aspirants to campaign across the country and engage directly with citizens on their plans for Nigeria.

“Let other candidates move around Nigeria and tell Nigerians what they will do. Your president said he will not campaign all over Nigeria. He must come and campaign and tell the people what he has to offer. Whoever wants to be president must go round and account for his time,” he said.

Obi urged voters to protect their votes and assess candidates based on competence, capacity and their commitment to national development.

“Do not vote for me because I am Igbo; vote for me because I am the most qualified to be president,” he said.

He added that his vision was to build a society where children could achieve their potential regardless of their backgrounds.

“We will build a society where the child of nobody will become somebody. We must move Nigeria from consumption to production,” Obi said, assuring his supporters that their efforts would not be wasted.

Utomi, Umeh Back Obi-Kwankwaso Ticket

Speaking at the event, economist and political activist, Professor Pat Utomi, expressed optimism that Nigeria could become one of the world’s best places to live under the right leadership.

“Our country will become one of the greatest places to live. The time is now for genuine change to happen. We need to ensure that people come out massively, vote and defend their votes,” Utomi said.

The senator representing Anambra Central, Victor Umeh, also endorsed the Obi-Kwankwaso ticket, describing the two politicians as leaders capable of bringing positive change to Nigeria.

“Obi and Kwankwaso are the best ticket; they are ready to serve. They have the wisdom and commitment to change Nigeria for the better. Nobody can intimidate us. We will fight and ensure that we win the election. Our votes in the South-East are for you. Nobody will rig the election. We must use our votes to make a statement in 2027,” Umeh declared.

He also commended the NDC vice-presidential candidate, Rabiu Kwankwaso, for mobilising support in northern Nigeria.

“We must thank Kwankwaso, who is helping us to conquer the North,” he added.

Enugu NDC Candidate Calls for National Unity

Earlier, the NDC governorship candidate in Enugu State, Chinyeaka Ohaa, said the 2027 election should focus on building a country that works for all Nigerians rather than solely on the prospect of an Igbo president.

“It is not about an Igbo president but about building a new Nigeria that works for everyone. Obi represents the hope of many Nigerians. And our people are solidly behind him,” Ohaa said.

He recalled that during a meeting with Kwankwaso in the United Kingdom in 2024, they discussed the possibility of another “Handshake Across the Niger”, recalling the historic political understanding between the National Council of Nigeria and the Cameroons, led by Dr Nnamdi Azikiwe, and the Northern People’s Congress, led by Sir Ahmadu Bello.

Ohaa said the proposed partnership between Obi and Kwankwaso under the NDC presented an opportunity to strengthen political cooperation across regional boundaries.

“Today, by the grace of God, that vision is approaching reality through the NDC Obi-Kwankwaso partnership. We are presented with a potentially historic opportunity for an Igbo son to lead Nigeria as an elected president, an opportunity that has eluded our people since independence. History is calling, and we must not allow this moment to pass,” he said.

He urged people in the South-East to work with Nigerians from other regions to secure victory for the party in 2027.

“My message to Ndi Igbo is simple: THE TIME IS NOW! We must seize this opportunity and work with our brothers and sisters across the South-South, South-West, North-East, North-West and North-Central to secure an NDC victory in 2027. This is not merely about an Igbo presidency; it is about building a new Nigeria founded on justice, competence, accountability, security and prosperity for all,” Ohaa stated.

He said the proposed political alliance should serve as a bridge for national unity, mutual respect and a shared commitment to development.

“The handshake across the Niger must become a bridge across Nigeria, a bridge of unity, mutual respect and shared destiny. Ndi Enugu are ready! As the NDC governorship candidate, I am confident that our people are prepared for a new direction and a government that puts their welfare first. We are determined to win their trust and secure victory in 2027. The road to the Lion Building is open, and we are ready to lead Enugu into a new era,” he said.

Ohaa called on Nigerians to translate their desire for change into political participation and electoral action.

“To Ndi Igbo, I say: do not stand aside while history is being made. To Ndi Enugu, I say: the future of our state is in our hands. And to all Nigerians, I say: let us unite to build a country that works for everyone. The time is now. Together, let us secure an NDC victory in Nigeria and also in Enugu State. Let us work towards a new Nigeria in 2027,” he added.