Former Anambra State Governor, Peter Obi, has officially accepted his nomination as the presidential candidate of the Nigerian Democratic Congress (NDC) for the 2027 presidential election, declaring that “a New Nigeria is Possible” and unveiling former Kano State Governor Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso as his running mate.
Speaking during his acceptance speech in Abuja on Saturday, May 30, 2026, Obi expressed gratitude to party leaders, supporters, and Nigerians across the country for their confidence in his leadership.
“It is with deep humility that I accept the role of presidential candidate for our party,” Obi said. “I wish to assert unequivocally: a New Nigeria is Possible. This conviction has united us and must serve as our compass on the challenging road ahead.”
The former Labour Party presidential candidate said his ambition was not about personal interests but about restoring hope to Nigerians facing economic hardship, insecurity, unemployment, and declining public confidence in governance.
Addressing national unity, Obi called for an end to ethnic, religious, and regional divisions, stressing that Nigeria’s diversity should be a source of strength rather than conflict.
“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,” he stated.
On insecurity, Obi described the nation’s security situation as alarming, citing Nigeria’s worsening position in global terrorism rankings. He promised to implement an intelligence-driven and technology-enhanced security strategy aimed at protecting lives and property while addressing root causes such as poverty, unemployment, and marginalisation.
The NDC candidate also unveiled ambitious plans for healthcare reform, pledging to increase health insurance coverage from about 10 per cent to over 20 per cent within four years and raise healthcare spending to at least 10 per cent of the nation’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP).
He further promised to ensure that all 8,809 wards in Nigeria have functional primary healthcare centres while making at least half of the country’s estimated 30,000 primary healthcare facilities fully operational by the end of his first term.
In the education sector, Obi pledged significant investment in schools, teachers, technology, and vocational training, describing education as the foundation of national development and economic prosperity.
Turning to agriculture and food security, he lamented Nigeria’s poor ranking on the Global Hunger Index despite its vast agricultural potential. He argued that increased investment in agriculture would help move the country from consumption to production and tackle widespread hunger and poverty.
On electricity, Obi highlighted Nigeria’s power deficit, noting that the country currently generates and distributes only about 4,000 megawatts of electricity for a population exceeding 200 million people. He pledged to increase power generation and distribution by at least 10,000 megawatts within four years.
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The presidential candidate also promised targeted support for Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), saying tax incentives, accessible financing, and favourable interest rates would help address youth unemployment and stimulate economic growth.
Obi vowed to reduce corruption and the cost of governance through transparency and accountability, while promising strict adherence to the rule of law and democratic principles.
“Our democracy will exemplify true governance of the people, by the people, and for the people, completely free from interference by the ruling party,” he declared.
In a major political announcement, Obi formally nominated former Kano State Governor and NNPP leader, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, as his vice-presidential candidate.
“Following this, I will make democracy work and the Vice President will be a partner, not a spare tyre. I hereby accept my affirmation and nominate Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso as my Vice President,” Obi announced to loud applause from supporters.
The declaration marks a significant development ahead of the 2027 general election, with Obi positioning the NDC as a platform focused on national unity, security, economic revival, healthcare reform, education, and institutional strengthening.
The event attracted party officials, delegates, and supporters from across Nigeria, as Obi urged citizens to join what he described as a collective mission to rebuild the nation and restore hope to millions of Nigerians.
