Popular Nigerian opposition figure, Peter Obi Friday kicked off his campaign for presidency, warning that the country’s challenges are existential, as „over 140 million Nigerians live at or below the national poverty line.”
In a post ox X, the presidential candidate of the National Democratic Party (NDC) however assured that Nigeria has the ability to overcome these challenges.
„We have the people, resources, market, talent, and enterprise. What we must do now is turn these strengths into security, productivity, and shared prosperity,“ said the former Anambra governor, believed by many as having won the 2023 presidential election.
Nonetheless, he stressed that Nigerian democracy is at a defining moment, urging voters „to assess the records, ideas, and plans of those seeking their mandate to lead their country at a time of grave uncertainty in our rapidly changing world.“
Obi, a billionaire and successful businessman, who prides himself as a wealth creator unlike his major rivals, flaunted his immense private-sector experience, which in his view makes him the right person to pull the nation out of quagmire.
“My successful private-sector experience, studies in institutions of repute on policy and business matters, and my service as Governor of Anambra State have shaped my understanding of public leadership. Government must manage resources responsibly, set clear priorities, and measure the outcomes of its decisions. Public office is not a reward; it is a responsibility to the people.
“In Anambra, I prioritized the foundations of long-term development: education, healthcare, infrastructure, fiscal discipline, and institutional capacity. I do not present that record as perfect, but as an experience from which Nigerians can draw their own conclusions,” the NDC candidate said.
He further boasted of his partnership with the leader of the influential Kwankwasiya Movement Dr Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, a former governor and one time minister of Education.
According to him, as vice president, he would hugely complement him.
„As Governor of Kano State, he focused strongly on education, technical training, scholarships, infrastructure, and human-capital development. His administration’s investments in education and skills showed an understanding that the people are a state’s most important long-term resource.
„Our experiences are different, but our conclusion is the same: Nigeria must invest in its people and manage public resources with discipline,“ Obi stated.
Obi, with a large, youthful army of ‘Obidents’ driving his quest to rescue the country from those he said had captured it, added that „Nigeria needs more than reactive reforms.
„We must focus on the questions that matter: Are Nigerians better off than they were four years ago? Can they afford food, education, and healthcare?
„Can businesses produce, expand, and create jobs? Can young people find productive work? Can farmers work safely and get their produce to market?“