By Jude Opara
The presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Mr. Peter Obi has again stated that the real reason he is contesting to become the president is to save the country from total collapse.
Obi, who on Saturday emerged as the sole candidate of the NDC for the forthcoming 2027 presidential election said his conviction that a new Nigeria is possible is what has been keeping him going, despite the trials and challenges he said he has been confronting with.
Delivering his acceptance speech after his formal nomination at the weekend, the former governor of Anambra state said; “I wish to assert unequivocally: a New Nigeria is Possible. This conviction has united us; it must serve as our compass on the challenging road ahead and sustain us through all trials we may face.
“This pivotal moment transcends the individual ambitions of Peter Obi; it concerns the essence of our nation and the future of our children. It is about rekindling hope for millions who have faced adversity yet remain committed to Nigeria”.
According to him, Nigeria is at crossroads with multidimensional challenges ranging from rising state of insecurity to dwindling economic fortunes of the people, which has grossly reduced their purchasing power.
Obi also regretted the resurgence of the narrow ethnic and religious slurs, insisting that there is an urgent need to check the menace before it gets out of hands.
He said: “Today, our nation finds itself at a crucial juncture, enveloped in uncertainty. Families are anxious about their safety; parents are concerned for their children’s futures; and talented youth increasingly question their prospects in their homeland.
“Nigeria cannot advance while fragmented by ethnic, religious, regional, or narrow political divides. We may communicate in different languages and practise diverse faiths, but we share a singular destiny under one flag. Our diversity should not be a source of division; rather, it is among our greatest strengths.
“We should build bridges where others erect barriers, replace mistrust with confidence, division with understanding, and resentment with a collective purpose. A united Nigeria is indispensable”.
On the rate of insecurity, the presidential hopeful noted that the situation in Nigeria has considerably worsened from year to year, despite the huge potentials of the military to end the menace.
According to him: “The global terrorism impact assessments ranked Nigeria as the 8th most affected nation in 2022, 6th in 2024, and 4th in 2026. Yet, for many years, Nigeria garnered global recognition as a reliable contributor to peacekeeping, regional stabilisation, and conflict resolution.
“Our troops have not only displayed bravery but have also shown professionalism, discipline, resilience, and empathy in the most challenging operational contexts.
“We must address insecurity with resolve and urgency, for no nation can thrive while its citizens live in trepidation. The primary responsibility of the government is to ensure the safeguarding of lives and property.
“Farmers must be able to return to their fields securely; students must be able to learn without fear; communities must be able to rest peacefully; and investors must regain their confidence in Nigeria”.
On healthcare, the NDC presidential candidate said it’s unacceptable that Nigeria is currently ranked 157th globally, placing it in the lower echelon of healthcare worldwide with the resultant effect of being one of the highest infant mortality rates in the world.
He added:”This situation is regrettable. I pledge that within four years, our health insurance coverage will more than double to over 20%. Within these four years, we will increase our healthcare budget to a minimum of 10% of our GDP, up from the current level of below 5%.
“ We will invest heavily in and support our healthcare institutions to ensure the massive training of our healthcare workers, including nurses and other professionals”.
On the energy sector, Obi who regretted the inability of successive administrations to increase the generated megawatts beyond 4,000 promised to boost it to 10,000 MG in four years.
