Former Anambra State Governor and 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has emerged as the presidential flagbearer of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) for the 2027 general election, with former Kano State Governor, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, named as his running mate.
Obi’s endorsement was announced during a special convention of the party held in Abuja on Saturday, while the motion for his adoption was moved by Senator Victor Umeh and seconded by former Deputy Senate President, Ovie Omo-Agege, amid applause from party delegates and supporters gathered at the convention venue.
Shortly after accepting the nomination, Obi unveiled Kwankwaso as his vice-presidential candidate, describing him as “a genuine partner” who would actively participate in governance rather than serve as a symbolic deputy.
Addressing party members after his nomination, Obi said the 2027 election would be about rebuilding national hope and restoring confidence in governance.
“A new Nigeria is achievable,” Obi declared, adding that the country’s future depended on leaders willing to prioritise national interest over personal ambition.
According to him, Nigeria is currently facing deep economic hardship, rising insecurity, unemployment, and declining public trust in leadership. “Our nation stands at a critical point, engulfed in uncertainty. Families are worried about their safety, parents fear for their children’s future, and many young Nigerians no longer believe opportunities exist in their own country,” he said.
Obi promised that an NDC-led administration would focus on addressing insecurity, improving electricity supply, revitalising healthcare and education, promoting national unity, and tackling youth unemployment.
He argued that official unemployment statistics did not reflect the reality facing millions of Nigerians, insisting that youth unemployment and underemployment remained alarmingly high.
To address the challenge, Obi said his administration would support micro, small and medium enterprises through tax incentives, low-interest financing, and targeted investments in sectors such as agriculture, manufacturing, entertainment, sports, and distribution.
He also pledged to reduce the cost of governance and strengthen transparency in public spending. “Nigerians will witness a measurable reduction in corruption and the cost of governance. Public funds will be managed with transparency, prudence and accountability to ensure every naira spent delivers value to citizens,” he stated.
On democracy and governance, Obi assured opposition parties of political tolerance and promised to encourage constructive engagement rather than intimidation by the ruling party.
He said democracy under his leadership would reflect “government of the people, by the people and for the people,” while respecting divergent political views.
The convention attracted party stakeholders, delegates, and supporters from different parts of the country as political activities ahead of the 2027 election gradually gather momentum.
