Follow Us on Google
The presidential candidate of the Nigerian Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, has urged Nigerians not to give up on their quest for a better country, assuring them that their efforts and sacrifices would produce the desired results.
Obi gave the assurance on Thursday at the party’s town hall meeting in Ikeja, Lagos State, where he presented some of his priorities ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The former Anambra State governor also condemned the violence that occurred before the meeting, when suspected political thugs reportedly attacked NDC supporters at the venue.
Despite the incident, he said the party would take its campaign to every part of Lagos, while praising members and supporters for their conduct during the disruption.
He also appealed to Lagos residents to support the party’s governorship candidate, Funso Doherty, saying the state could experience better leadership under an NDC administration.
Outlining his plans for Nigeria, Obi said he and his running mate, Rabiu Kwankwaso, were determined to address the country’s security challenges and promote national unity.
“I and Rabiu Kwankwaso are committed to securing Nigeria,” he said.
On electricity, the former governor promised to raise power generation to 10,000 megawatts if elected, describing the target as achievable.
He also pledged to establish a functional primary healthcare facility in every ward across the country.
Peter Obi further promised to restructure the economy by reducing its dependence on consumption and placing greater emphasis on production.
On education, he said his administration would work towards bringing 30 per cent of out-of-school children back into classrooms.
“Basic education will be compulsory and free,” he added.
The NDC candidate also identified police reform as a priority, promising better welfare for officers and the recruitment of more graduates into the Nigeria Police Force to improve its operations.
“We want a country that will be manned by people who are competent,” he said.
“One of the commitments I have is to improve the welfare of the Nigeria Police. We’ll employ more graduates in our policing system so they can do things differently.”
Turning to the 2027 elections, Obi criticised President Bola Tinubu, saying the incumbent had become tired and should leave office.
He also urged Nigerians to participate in the elections and remain at their polling units until the results of their votes were counted and transmitted.
He called for a review and cleaning of the voter register, stressing that every eligible citizen must have the opportunity to vote and have their vote counted.
Earlier, Senator Victor Umeh, who represents Anambra Central Senatorial District, said those responsible for holding Nigeria back would be removed.
Doherty, in his remarks, praised NDC supporters for refusing to be intimidated despite the attack that disrupted preparations for the town hall meeting.
Aisha Yesufu, another NDC chieftain, urged Nigerians to take responsibility for protecting their votes and defend themselves against attacks within the limits of the Constitution.
She also expressed confidence that the party would defeat the All Progressives Congress in Lagos and secure victory in the 2027 presidential election.
The meeting followed an attack by suspected political thugs who reportedly invaded the venue, assaulted NDC supporters and damaged some vehicles. Several people were said to have sustained injuries during the incident.
