Former Anambra State Governor, Peter Obi, has accepted his nomination as the presidential candidate of the Nigerian Democratic Congress (NDC) for the 2027 presidential election, pledging to unite the country, tackle insecurity and restore hope among Nigerians.
In his acceptance speech delivered in Abuja on Saturday, Obi thanked the party leadership, supporters and delegates for entrusting him with the ticket, describing the moment as a defining chapter in Nigeria’s democratic journey.
“I wish to assert unequivocally: a New Nigeria is Possible,” Obi declared. “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.”
The former governor said his candidacy was not about personal ambition but about the future of Nigeria and generations yet unborn.
“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,” he said.
Obi painted a grim picture of the country’s current situation, citing widespread insecurity, economic hardship and declining public confidence in governance.
“Families are anxious about their safety; parents are concerned for their children’s futures; and talented youth increasingly question their prospects in their homeland,” he stated.
According to him, restoring national unity must be the first step towards rebuilding the country.
“Nigeria cannot advance while fragmented by ethnic, religious, regional, or narrow political divides,” Obi said. “Our diversity should not be a source of division; rather, it is among our greatest strengths.”
He urged Nigerians to embrace unity and collective purpose, stressing that national cohesion remains critical to development.
“We should build bridges where others erect barriers, replace mistrust with confidence, division with understanding, and resentment with a collective purpose,” he added.
On security, Obi expressed concern over the worsening state of insecurity across the country, citing global terrorism rankings that placed Nigeria among the countries most affected by terrorism.
“We must address insecurity with resolve and urgency, for no nation can thrive while its citizens live in trepidation,” he said. “The primary responsibility of the government is to ensure the safeguarding of lives and property.”
The NDC presidential candidate also praised the contributions of the Nigerian Armed Forces to international peacekeeping missions, noting that Nigeria once earned global respect for its leadership role in conflict resolution and regional stability.