Peter Obi’s Presidential Ticket Acceptance Speech As He Picks Running Mate
Former Anambra State Governor, Peter Obi, has formally accepted his nomination as the presidential candidate of the Nigerian Democratic Congress (NDC), declaring that “a New Nigeria is Possible” and unveiling an ambitious agenda aimed at tackling the country’s numerous socio-economic challenges ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Speaking at the party’s national convention in Abuja on Saturday being 30th May 2026, Obi expressed profound gratitude to the leadership of the NDC, party members, supporters, and Nigerians across the country for sustaining hope in the nation despite prevailing difficulties.
He described his emergence as the party’s flagbearer as a collective mission focused on rebuilding Nigeria and securing a better future for generations to come.
The former governor said Nigeria currently stands at a critical crossroads marked by insecurity, economic hardship, unemployment, hunger, and declining public confidence in governance.
According to him, the challenges confronting the nation require bold leadership, unity of purpose, and a commitment to national renewal.
On national unity, Obi emphasized that Nigeria’s diversity should be a source of strength rather than division.
He urged citizens to reject ethnic, religious, regional, and political sentiments capable of undermining national cohesion. According to him, the country’s progress depends on its ability to build bridges of understanding and promote collective national interests above sectional considerations.
Addressing the worsening security situation, Obi lamented Nigeria’s rising position among countries most affected by terrorism globally.
He recalled the country’s proud history as a leading contributor to international peacekeeping operations and pledged to restore security through intelligence-driven operations, technological innovation, improved coordination among security agencies, and investments in addressing poverty and unemployment.
The presidential candidate further promised that his administration would prioritize the protection of lives and property, noting that farmers must return safely to their farmlands, students must learn without fear, and investors must regain confidence in the nation’s security architecture.
He assured Nigerians that combating insecurity would remain a top priority under his leadership.
In the healthcare sector, Obi painted a grim picture of Nigeria’s current health system, citing poor health insurance coverage and the underperformance of primary healthcare centres nationwide.
He pledged to more than double health insurance coverage within four years and increase healthcare funding significantly to improve service delivery and access to quality medical care.
He also promised that every one of Nigeria’s 8,809 wards would have a functional and properly managed primary healthcare centre during his first term.
Additionally, he said at least 50 percent of the nation’s approximately 30,000 primary healthcare facilities would become fully operational and adequately staffed by the end of his administration.
On education, Obi described human capital development as the cornerstone of national progress. He vowed to invest heavily in schools, teacher training, technology, and vocational education, stressing that the country’s educational system must equip young Nigerians with the skills required to create jobs and drive economic growth rather than merely seek employment.
Turning to agriculture and food security, Obi decried Nigeria’s worsening hunger crisis despite its vast agricultural potential. He argued that the nation’s abundant arable land should position it among the world’s leading food producers rather than among countries battling severe food insecurity. He pledged substantial investments in agriculture to transform Nigeria from a consumption-driven economy into a productive one.
In the energy sector, the NDC candidate expressed concern over Nigeria’s chronic electricity shortages, noting that the country currently generates far less electricity than many nations with smaller populations. He promised to increase power generation and distribution by at least 10,000 megawatts within four years, describing reliable electricity as essential for industrial growth, business expansion, and job creation.
Obi also outlined plans to tackle unemployment and underemployment through targeted support for micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs). He said his administration would provide tax incentives, affordable financing, and sector-specific interventions aimed at stimulating growth in agriculture, manufacturing, entertainment, sports, and distribution industries.
Speaking on governance, the former governor pledged a significant reduction in corruption and the cost of governance. He assured Nigerians that public funds would be managed with transparency, accountability, and prudence while emphasizing that the rule of law would remain supreme under his administration. He further promised to strengthen democratic institutions and ensure that opposition parties are respected and allowed to operate freely without interference.
In a major highlight of the event, Obi announced the nomination of former Kano State Governor, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, as his running mate. He stated that his administration would operate on the principle of partnership, declaring that the Vice President would be an active participant in governance rather than a ceremonial figure. He concluded by seeking divine blessings for Nigerians and the Federal Republic of Nigeria as the nation prepares for another crucial electoral cycle.
