Presidential candidate of the Nigerian Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, has formally commenced his campaign for the 2027 presidential and National Assembly elections, urging Nigerians to critically assess the records, ideas and policy proposals of all contenders ahead of the polls.

Obi, a former Anambra State governor and former presidential candidate of the Labour Party, described the 2027 election as a defining moment for Nigeria’s democracy, coming at a time of significant economic and global uncertainty.

In his address to Nigerians, Obi said the election would provide citizens with an opportunity to determine the direction of the country by examining the competence, track records and programmes of those seeking their mandate.

“There is no doubt that this is a defining moment for our democracy. This moment gives Nigerians the opportunity to assess the records, ideas and plans of those seeking their mandate to lead their country at a time of grave uncertainty in our rapidly changing world,” he said.

Obi pledged that an NDC administration would prioritise fiscal discipline, productive investment and reforms aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s economy and improving the living standards of citizens.

He said his government would eliminate wasteful public expenditure while protecting investments capable of creating jobs, expanding productive capacity and driving sustainable economic growth.

“We will pursue practical reforms that deliver lasting results, combining fiscal discipline with productive investment, as Senator Kwankwaso and I have demonstrated,” Obi said.

He added that the proposed administration would seek to increase public revenue without imposing policies that could undermine businesses, while directing resources towards critical sectors such as education, healthcare, security and infrastructure.

“We will cut wasteful spending while protecting investments that create jobs and expand productive capacity. We will raise public revenue without stifling businesses and invest in education, healthcare, security, and infrastructure because they are foundations for future prosperity, not costs to defer,” he said.

Obi also pledged to strengthen Nigeria’s institutions and ensure that government policies and structures outlive individual administrations.

“We will also build institutions that endure beyond any single administration. That is the standard by which every government should be judged,” he stated.

The former Labour Party presidential candidate said the NDC campaign would focus on issues directly affecting Nigerians rather than divisive considerations such as ethnicity, religion, elitism and political patronage.

He urged voters to reject campaigns driven by propaganda and identity politics, stressing the need for a national conversation centred on economic development, security, productivity and good governance.

According to Obi, the NDC would pursue a regional development strategy designed to harness the comparative advantages of Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones and integrate them into a productive national economy.

“Nigeria’s diversity is an economic strength. Each region has distinct assets, and national policy must unlock those assets while connecting them to one productive economy,” he said.

He outlined the economic priorities for the various regions, saying the North-West would be positioned to expand agriculture, livestock production, irrigation, agro-processing and manufacturing, while also strengthening education and security.

For the North-East, Obi said the focus would be on reconstruction, restoration of livelihoods and the expansion of agriculture, education, enterprise and regional trade.

He said the North-Central would be supported to strengthen food production and processing while developing its mineral resources responsibly.

In the South-West, Obi identified manufacturing, technology, finance, trade and the creative economy as key areas with significant potential for further growth.

He said the South-East would build on its strong entrepreneurial and industrial base through improved infrastructure, stronger connectivity and greater access to investment.

For the South-South, Obi pledged to promote greater value addition in the oil and gas sector while expanding maritime services, fisheries, agriculture and other productive activities, alongside stronger environmental protection.

He also said the Federal Capital Territory would be developed as a model of effective urban governance, with emphasis on efficient transportation, housing, sanitation, security, urban planning and public services.

Obi maintained that the 2027 election should be about choosing a government capable of transforming Nigeria’s vast human and economic potential into sustainable development and improved living conditions for its citizens.