We Have Failed if IDPs Remain in Camps – Obi

The presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, has vowed to address Nigeria’s displacement crisis, saying his administration would have failed if any citizen remained in an Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camp 18 months after taking office.

Obi made this pledge on Wednesday in Jos, Plateau State, where he outlined his priorities on national security, unity and the protection of lives ahead of the 2027 presidential election.

He identified national unity and security as key areas requiring urgent attention, expressing concern over divisions along ethnic and religious lines.

According to the former Anambra State governor, addressing these divisions would be essential to building a safer and more united country.

“Our commitment is to unite Nigeria because today there is no unity, we are divided along tribal lines, religious lines, and that should not be, we are Nigerians,” he said.

On security, Obi expressed concern over persistent attacks and killings in Plateau and Benue states, promising to prioritise the protection of residents and communities affected by violence.

“Number two is to secure Nigeria. It’s our priority to ensure that Nigerians live in safety,” he said.

He added that his administration would work to prevent further loss of lives and the suffering experienced by families affected by insecurity.

Obi also made the return of displaced persons to their communities a central part of his proposed security agenda, setting an 18-month timeline for addressing the situation.

“I have said it, and I will repeat it that after one year to 18 months in office, if any Nigerian remains in an IDP camp, we have failed,” he declared.

The NDC candidate said his understanding of the security situation in Plateau State was informed by visits to communities affected by violence, including Bokkos, Mangu and Barkin Ladi.

He said the visits had given him an opportunity to understand the challenges facing residents in the affected areas.

“No other presidential candidate has been to Bokkos, Mangu, and Barkin Ladi, so I know the pain that people are going through,” Obi said.

He also expressed confidence that a proposed joint administration with former Kano State Governor Rabiu Kwankwaso as vice-president would address kidnapping and other security challenges.

“Let me assure you that with Kwankwaso and I as the president and vice president of this country, nobody will kidnap schoolchildren and go into the bush,” he said.