The presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Mr Peter Obi, has promised that no Nigerian will go to bed hungry if he wins the 2027 presidential election, pledging to tackle insecurity, unemployment and hunger and build a Nigeria where no citizen is left behind.
Obi made the pledge on Wednesday during a town hall meeting in Makurdi, the Benue State capital, as part of his 2027 campaign activities and a humanitarian visit to Yelewata community in Guma Local Government Area.
He was accompanied by his running mate, Rabiu Kwankwaso.
“We are seeking office to be able to ensure that people can go to bed without being hungry. We will care for you. We are not a government for a few people. We are seeking office to unite Nigeria and secure the country. Nigeria is one,” Obi said.
Security Pledge
Obi said a new Nigeria was possible, promising decisive action against kidnapping, killings and other security threats.
“If we are in government, nobody will witness what is happening in the country today. If you kidnap school children or kill anybody and try to run into the bush, we will go into the bush with you and we will get you. We must stop this act. Nigeria must be secured,” he said.
“I will secure Nigeria. It is our duty to ensure that Nigerians live in safety, in a country where people are no longer killed daily, where school children are no longer kidnapped. We will ensure that all Nigerians go to bed to sleep with their eyes closed.”
He added: “We will secure Benue, build a better society for all Nigerians.”
He called on the administration of President Bola Tinubu to urgently address the worsening security situation, particularly persistent insurgency and attacks that have displaced communities.
From Consumption To Production
Obi also promised to move the economy from consumption to production, create jobs for young Nigerians and give youths a greater role in governance.
“Our number one commitment is to unite Nigeria because today we have no unity. We are divided along tribal and religious lines. That should not be. We are Nigerians,” he said.
“For the youths, we want to ensure you finish school and be able to start your own business or get a job. Those with no jobs today, we assure you of our commitment that you will have something to do. Youth unemployment is unacceptable.”
“We will build a society where a child of nobody will be somebody without knowing anybody.”
He lamented that under President Tinubu, “Nigeria has gotten more money but citizens do not know where the money is going.”
He also decried the alleged absence of federal projects in Benue, promising to invest in infrastructure, healthcare and education, and to fight corruption and revive primary healthcare.
Visit To Tor Tiv And Yelewata
Earlier, Obi, Kwankwaso and other NDC officials visited the Tor Tiv and Chairman of the Benue State Council of Chiefs and Traditional Rulers, Prof. James Ayatse, at his palace in Gboko.
The delegation later proceeded to Yelewata, a community along the Makurdi-Lafia Road in Guma LGA, to commiserate with residents and families of victims of the June 13, 2025 attack, in which more than 100 residents were reportedly killed by suspected terrorists. Some reports put the figure at 271.
Obi and his entourage were received by crowds of supporters and well-wishers at different locations in Makurdi, Yelewata and Gboko.
The presidential and National Assembly elections are scheduled for January 16, 2027.
