2027: Nigerians not asking for too much from govt — Peter Obi

The presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, has said Nigerians are only demanding the basic responsibilities expected of any government when they call for improved security, employment, healthcare and education.

Obi stated this while reflecting on his recent interactions with supporters, community leaders, traders and residents during visits to Kogi, Benue and Enugu.

The former Anambra State governor, in a Facebook post on Sunday, said he travelled to Olamaboro Local Government Area of Kogi State after engagements in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, where he met with stakeholders and party members alongside the NDC’s Kogi East Senatorial Candidate, High Chief Peter Ameh.

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He said discussions during the engagements focused largely on the challenges confronting citizens, including insecurity, unemployment, poverty and deficiencies in the healthcare and education sectors.

Obi said he reaffirmed his commitment to addressing the challenges, assuring supporters that improving the welfare and living conditions of Nigerians would remain central to his political agenda.

He also urged NDC supporters to remain committed to the democratic process and participate actively in the 2027 elections.

“We urged our supporters to remain dedicated to the democratic process, turn out in large numbers to vote, and, above all, safeguard and defend their votes from the polling unit through the final declaration of results,” he said.

The NDC candidate also stopped briefly at Otukpa in Ogbadibo Local Government Area of Benue State and Obollo-Afor in Enugu State, where he interacted with residents and traders along the routes.

According to him, the encounters provided an opportunity to hear directly from citizens about the difficulties affecting their businesses and livelihoods.

He assured the traders that a government led by him would acknowledge their challenges, prioritise their welfare and create conditions that would enable businesses to thrive.

Obi said the concerns expressed across the three states were remarkably similar, reflecting what he described as the fundamental expectations Nigerians have of government.

“Across all these engagements, the concerns expressed by our people remain essentially the same. They seek security in their communities, meaningful employment opportunities for our youths, access to properly functioning hospitals and schools for their children, and the means and resources to lead decent, dignified lives,” Obi said.

“These are not excessive demands. They represent the basic expectations citizens hold of a government dedicated to their welfare.”

His comments come amid increasing political activities ahead of the 2027 general elections, as political parties and their candidates intensify consultations and grassroots engagements across the country.

Aside from his political engagements, Obi attended the 65th birthday celebration of Evangelist Sunday Oguche at Okpo in Olamaboro Local Government Area of Kogi.

He described Oguche as a preacher of the Gospel and community builder who had dedicated himself to serving God and making positive contributions to his community.

Obi prayed for the celebrant, wishing him continued strength, good health, and many more years of service.

He later travelled to Nsukka, Enugu State, where he paid a courtesy visit to His Royal Majesty, Igwe Willy Ezugwu, Eze Ka Eze I of Ideke Land and Eze Ogbozalla III of Opi Kingdom.

Obi described the monarch as a “true Nigerian” committed to the future of the country.

He expressed appreciation for the monarch’s prayers, royal blessings, counsel and encouragement.

Reflecting on the various engagements, Obi said they had further strengthened his conviction that Nigerians, regardless of their communities, share common aspirations for a more secure and prosperous country.

He maintained that the nation’s challenges could be overcome through leadership that places the welfare and dignity of citizens at the centre of governance.

“As we move forward on this journey, our message remains unequivocal: Nigeria can succeed, and government can be made to serve its people,” he added.