Presidential candidate of the National Democratic Congress, Peter Obi, has called for a united Nigeria and decisive action against insecurity, poverty and other challenges confronting citizens.
In a statement posted on his Facebook page on Tuesday. The former Anambra State governor said the engagement provided an opportunity to hear directly from residents and respond to questions on issues including security, education, healthcare, agriculture, power, infrastructure, corruption, poverty and national unity.
Obi made the remarks on Monday, September 28, during a town hall meeting with residents of Sokoto State, shortly after paying a courtesy visit to the Sultan of Sokoto.
He said addressing insecurity must go beyond tackling armed criminality, stressing that the country must also confront what he described as human insecurity arising from poverty, unemployment, hunger and hopelessness.
According to him, improving citizens’ living conditions would help reduce the conditions that contribute to criminality and insecurity.
Obi also spoke against the influence of money in Nigerian politics, arguing that widespread poverty allows politicians to use financial inducements to secure votes.
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He said such practices could create a cycle in which citizens repeatedly support political systems that fail to address the conditions responsible for their hardship.
The presidential candidate maintained that Nigeria requires leadership focused on competence, character, compassion and courage to address its developmental challenges.
He acknowledged that the task ahead was significant but expressed optimism that collective efforts by Nigerians could change the country’s trajectory.
Obi concluded his message with his familiar declaration that “A New Nigeria is Possible.”