By Okey Muogbo
Presidential candidate of the Nigerian Democratic Congress (NDC) in the forthcoming general election, Mr Peter Obi has accepted his election as the flag bearer of the NDC, lamenting that Nigeria has been enveloped in negative uncertainties.
In his acceptance speech, the Presidential Candidate outlined clear and comprehensive details of how he would solved major governance challenges confronting Nigeria.
Said he: “Today, our nation finds itself at a crucial juncture, enveloped in uncertainty.
“Families are anxious about their safety; parents are concerned for their children’s futures; and talented youth increasingly question their prospects in their homeland.
“Businesses are struggling, communities are suffering, and an alarming number of citizens have lost faith in the very concept of governance.
“Yet, I stand before you filled with optimism and strong faith in the resilience of our people, for I firmly believe that a New Nigeria is possible,” he assured.
Below is the full text of his speech:
*ACCEPTANCE SPEECH BY MR. PETER OBI FOLLOWING HIS NOMINATION AS THE PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATE OF THE NIGERIAN DEMOCRATIC COALITION (NDC) – MAY 30, 2026*
Protocols,
Esteemed citizens of Nigeria,
It is with deep humility that I accept the role of presidential candidate for our party.
I express my profound gratitude to the leaders of our party. His Excellency Seriake Dickson, the National Chairman, National Secretary and the National Working Committee, NWC members and members of our relentless supporters, and the Nigerian populace who have steadfastly kept the spirit of hope alive. I commend those who have made the journey from every region of our nation to convene here in Abuja.
I wish to assert unequivocally: a New Nigeria is Possible. 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. 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.
Today, our nation finds itself at a crucial juncture, enveloped in uncertainty. Families are anxious about their safety; parents are concerned for their children’s futures; and talented youth increasingly question their prospects in their homeland.
Businesses are struggling, communities are suffering, and an alarming number of citizens have lost faith in the very concept of governance. Yet, I stand before you filled with optimism and strong faith in the resilience of our people, for I firmly believe that a New Nigeria is possible.
*UNITY*
To realise this New Nigeria, we must first mend the foundational elements essential for the success of any nation.
Nigeria cannot advance while fragmented by ethnic, religious, regional, or narrow political divides. We may communicate in different languages and practise diverse faiths, but we share a singular destiny under one flag. Our diversity should not be a source of division; rather, it is among our greatest strengths.
We should build bridges where others erect barriers, replace mistrust with confidence, division with understanding, and resentment with a collective purpose. A united Nigeria is indispensable. As Will Durant wisely pointed out, “A great civilisation is not conquered from without until it has destroyed itself from within.” We must never self-destruct. We must heal, unify, and progress together.
*INSECURITY*
In terms of security, the situation in Nigeria has considerably worsened. The global terrorism impact assessments ranked Nigeria as the 8th most affected nation in 2022, 6th in 2024, and 4th in 2026.
Yet, for many years, Nigeria garnered global recognition as a reliable contributor to peacekeeping, regional stabilisation, and conflict resolution. Our troops have not only displayed bravery but have also shown professionalism, discipline, resilience, and empathy in the most challenging operational contexts. Our officers and personnel have successfully commanded multiple international forces, safeguarded vulnerable civilian populations, monitored ceasefires, reinstated constitutional order, and contributed to rebuilding efforts.
Nigeria became one of the leading contributors of troops from Africa to UN peacekeeping missions and earned widespread admiration for operational effectiveness and leadership in various countries, including Rwanda, Sudan, Liberia, Sierra Leone, Mali, Western Sahara, Congo, Lebanon, Cambodia, Haiti, and Kuwait. At one point, a Nigeria, Lt. General Isaac Obiakor (rtd) even led global peacekeeping initiatives.
We must address insecurity with resolve and urgency, for no nation can thrive while its citizens live in trepidation. The primary responsibility of government is to ensure the safeguarding of lives and property. Farmers must be able to return to their fields securely; students must be able to learn without fear; communities must be able to rest peacefully; and investors must regain their confidence in Nigeria.
Our strategy will be intelligence-driven, technology-enhanced, proactive, and community-focused. We will fortify our security institutions, enhance operational coordination, support our courageous personnel, and tackle the underlying causes of insecurity—namely poverty, unemployment, and marginalisation.
*HEALTHCARE*
Regarding health, Nigeria is currently ranked 157th globally, placing it in the lower echelon of healthcare worldwide. Primary healthcare, the cornerstone of our medical system, remains severely not functional with only 10% to 20% of approximately 30,000 primary healthcare centres operational.
As a result, Nigeria suffers from one of the highest infant mortality rates in the world. Furthermore, health insurance coverage in Nigeria hovers around a mere 10%, in stark contrast to countries like Indonesia, which boast over 90% coverage. This situation is regrettable.
I pledge that within four years, our health insurance coverage will more than double to over 20%.
Within these four years, we will increase our healthcare budget to a minimum of 10% of our GDP, up from the current level of below 5%. We will invest heavily in and support our healthcare institutions to ensure the massive training of our healthcare workers, including nurses and other professionals. We shall also adequately staff our medical facilities.
In four years, there will be a fully functional and properly managed primary healthcare centre in all 8,809 wards across the nation. By the conclusion of our term, Nigeria will ensure that at least 50% of its 30,000 primary healthcare centres are fully functional, properly manned, and dedicated to serving the populace.
*EDUCATION*
Education will remain at the forefront of our national revival, as no country can grow beyond its educational system. Nations that have transformed successfully have done so through sustained investment in human capital. Our children are not burdens; they represent our most valuable assets. We will invest heavily in schools, teachers, technology, and vocational training, ensuring that education equips our youth not only to seek employment but also to generate it. We must pivot Nigeria from a cycle of shared poverty to one of collective prosperity through knowledge, innovation, and productivity.
*HUNGER AND AGRICULTURE*
In 2023, when the present government took office, Nigeria ranked 109 out of 150 nations on the Global Hunger Index.
And by 2025, our ranking further plunged to 115th, placing us among the hungriest nations globally. Currently, the World Food Programme estimates that over 35 million Nigerians will face acute hunger and food insecurity this year. This is unconscionable, given our vast expanses of uncultivated land.
Rice remains the most consumed food in Nigeria. To illustrate our level of unproductivity, let us compare our capabilities with those of leading rice-producing nations. India is the largest producer of rice, yielding approximately 200 million tonnes of unmilled rice.
Bangladesh is the third largest producer, produces around 60 million tonnes of unskilled Rice, while Vietnam is the 5th, produces about 42 million tonnes. Let us consider the land-to-population ratios:
India has a landmass of 3,287,263 square kilometres. Distributed across its population of 1.4 billion people, this equals roughly 2. 34 Square meter per person.
Bangladesh, with a landmass of around 148,460 square kilometres and a population of 170 million, has less than 1 square metres per person.
Vietnam’s landmass covers 331,000 square kilometres. Divided by a population of 102 million, it yields about 3.25 square metres per person.
Nigeria has a massive landmass of 923,768 square kilometres. Divided by our population of approximately 230 million, this results in about 4.00 square metres per person. The foregoing clearly illustrates that we have absolutely no justification for being among the world’s hungriest nations.
Transitioning our nation from a state of consumption to one of production, through significant investments in agriculture, is the sole dependable strategy to escape the current depths of hunger and poverty. As I often emphasise, the uncultivated lands in our northern region represent our most substantial tangible assets. Transforming this sector is our direct pathway to prosperity.
ENERGY SECTOR
Nigeria today is the nation with the highest number of citizens lacking access to electricity globally. We currently generate and distribute a mere 4,000 megawatts (MW) of electricity for a population exceeding 200 million. In contrast, comparable nations worldwide – including several African peers such as South Africa and Egypt – each generate and distribute over 40,000 MW, despite both countries having less than half of our population. This considerable power shortfall continues to cripple businesses, choke industries, and stall overall economic growth.
Over the next four years, I commit to ensuring a minimum of 10,000 MW power
increase generation and distribution.
*UNEMPLOYMENT AND UNDEREMPLOYMENT*
Our large pool of talented youth remains largely unemployed. The current official unemployment rate of 4% grossly misrepresents the true situation; actual underemployment and unemployment in Nigeria exceeds 30%, with youth unemployment sitting at over 40% – among the highest globally, necessitating urgent intervention. We will address this by aggressively supporting the growth of micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) through targeted tax incentives, special interest rates, and accessible funding in sectors such as agriculture, manufacturing, entertainment, sports, and distribution. These improvements will be both measurable and verifiable.
CORRUPTION AND GOVERNANCE COSTS*
Nigerians will witness a tangible and verifiable reduction in corruption and the baseline costs associated with governance. Public resources will be managed with absolute transparency, prudence, and accountability to ensure that every naira spent yields demonstrable value for the citizenry.
*
RULE OF LAW*
The rule of law will be fiercely upheld, and adherence to it will be sacrosanct for both government officials and citizens alike, strictly in accordance with our constitutional frameworks.
DEMOCRACY
Our democracy will exemplify true governance of the people, by the people, and for the people, completely free from interference by the ruling party. Instead, we will institutionalise deep respect for opposition parties and foster constructive engagement in governance.
Under my leadership, democracy will be pursued with integrity, fairness, and transparency.
May God bless you all, and may God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
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Turaki-Led PDP affirms Jonathan its presidential candidate despite thugs’ attack, security barricade
A faction of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) led by former Minister of Special Duties, Tanimu Turaki (SAN), on Saturday defied security restrictions and the barricading of its planned convention venue in Abuja to affirm former President Goodluck Jonathan as the party’s presidential candidate for the 2027 election.
Despite the disruption, the group relocated its activities to its operational office in Area 10, Garki, where it concluded the convention proceedings and presented a Certificate of Return to Jonathan. The certificate was received on the former president’s behalf by former lawmaker, Hon. Fred Agbedi.
The faction also witnessed a heavy invasion and attacks by thugs while they were expressing displeasure and rounding off the events at the frontage of venue of the party’s Special National Convention at the A-Class Event Centre in Wuse 2, Abuja.
The convention came amid an escalating leadership crisis within the PDP, with rival factions laying claim to the party’s structure and authority.
Addressing delegates at the barricaded convention venue, Turaki accused unnamed political actors of attempting to undermine democracy through intimidation and abuse of power.
“No matter how highly opinionated they may be about themselves, or no matter how they think that they can use their positions to thwart democracy, we want to tell them that Nigeria is bigger than anybody and any group of persons,” he declared.
Turaki urged supporters to remain peaceful despite the provocation, insisting that political battles should be settled through elections rather than violence.
“We will not fight. The time of fighting will come when we meet at the polls. We will meet you there, we’ll fight you there, we’ll defeat you there, and then we will pin you down on the ground,” he said.
Turaki went further to defend the actions of the faction even as they were not recognized by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). He argued that they were acting in accordance with judicial pronouncements and the PDP constitution.
“What we are doing today is in line with the judgment of the Supreme Court, which affirmed the judgment of the Court of Appeal Abuja Division,” he said.
According to him, the party’s Board of Trustees stepped in to fill leadership gaps created by the court decisions, while members of the National Executive Committee convened a meeting that produced an Interim National Working Committee.
“As far as we are concerned, it’s a process. INEC has been duly informed. INEC is aware of the convocation of the NEC meeting by members of the party,” Turaki stated.
He expressed confidence that the electoral commission would eventually recognize the process, noting that the INEC Chairman, being a legal scholar, understood the implications of the various court judgments affecting the party.
Also speaking, Chairman of the Special National Convention and PDP founding member, Prof. Jerry Gana, described the events surrounding the convention as a sad commentary on the state of Nigeria’s democracy.
“It is with great pain that I see this situation, that so many years after democracy we are still being reduced to this,” Gana lamented.
The elder statesman recalled the role played by PDP leaders during Nigeria’s transition from military rule in 1998, stressing that one of their key demands was the establishment of an independent electoral commission.
“We insisted that we must have an Independent National Electoral Commission. Unfortunately, after so many years of development, is INEC now independent? No,” he said.
Gana further criticized the security presence that prevented delegates from accessing the convention venue, describing it as a threat to democratic freedoms.
“We’re supposed to be having a special convention in a very well-organized place. Now the police have taken over the whole place. Are we back into military rule?
“This is a disgrace. Let the whole world know that Nigerian democracy is challenged because people cannot meet freely” he said.
The convention subsequently moved to the business of ratifying Jonathan’s candidature.
Chairman of the PDP State Chairmen Forum and Edo State PDP Chairman, Dr. Tony Aziegbemi, moved a motion for the adoption of Jonathan as the party’s sole presidential candidate.
“Having adopted President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan as our sole presidential candidate, I hereby move that this special convention do ratify the motion,” Aziegbemi said.
The motion was seconded by Senator Mohammed Sanusi Dagash, former Minister of Aviation who said party members across the country remained committed to the PDP despite the challenges confronting it.
“We stand confidently here, representing the PDP network nationwide,” Dagash said. “I second the motion in adopting Goodluck Ebele Jonathan as our presidential candidate.”
The motion was subsequently adopted by voice vote amid cheers from delegates who came out in their numbers and from different states to witness the event.
