NDC Presidential candidate, Peter Obi
Presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, has pledged to prioritise the return of internally displaced persons (IDPs) to their ancestral communities, declaring that the continued displacement of Nigerians reflects a failure of government to protect lives and property.
Obi made the pledge on Tuesday, November 10, 2026, during a town hall meeting with residents and supporters at Crispan Hotel, Jos, Plateau State, where he outlined his priorities ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The former Anambra State governor, who recalled visits to violence-affected communities in Bokkos, Barkin Ladi and Mangu, described the security situation in Plateau and other parts of the country as unacceptable.
He said no Nigerian should be forced to abandon their home because of insecurity, insisting that restoring safety to affected communities must be a major responsibility of government.
“If any Nigerian remains in an IDP camp, we have failed. Once one Nigerian is in an IDP camp, the entire Nigeria is in an IDP camp. People must return to their homes,” he said.
Obi also expressed concern over the human cost of insecurity, particularly the suffering of families who have lost relatives and livelihoods to attacks.
He said his presidential ambition was partly driven by the need to respond to the experiences of victims and ensure that government listened to their concerns.
The NDC candidate further pledged to strengthen the country’s security architecture and ensure that criminal elements, including kidnappers, were pursued and brought to justice.
He maintained that Nigerians should be able to go about their daily activities without fear of attacks, abduction or violence.
On the economy, Obi called for a shift from consumption to production, arguing that increased local production would expand employment opportunities, strengthen businesses and reduce poverty.
He linked insecurity to declining economic activities, particularly in agriculture, noting that farmers in affected communities could no longer freely access their farmlands.
According to him, businesses in Plateau State had also suffered from insecurity, making it difficult for the economy to generate the jobs and opportunities needed by residents.
“Our determination is to unite Nigeria, secure Nigeria and pull people out of poverty. That is why we said we are going to move Nigeria from consumption to production,” he said.
He also promised to improve access to credit for small and medium-sized enterprises, saying businesses needed adequate financial support to grow and create employment.
On electoral accountability, Obi urged Nigerians to take an active interest in protecting their votes during the 2027 elections.
He called on voters to remain at polling units after casting their ballots to monitor the counting, recording and transmission of results.
“Your vote must be counted, recorded and transmitted. Nobody should give you any excuse. It is your vote, and we want this election to be about the future of Nigeria,” he said.
On education, the presidential candidate expressed concern over the number of out-of-school children in the country, promising to construct additional classrooms, recruit teachers and improve public schools.
He also called for stronger investment in primary healthcare centres, saying functional healthcare facilities were essential to reducing preventable deaths and improving access to medical services.
Obi said his proposed town hall engagements were intended to allow political leaders to listen to citizens before presenting policies and seeking their votes.
He maintained that leadership should be driven by the needs and expectations of the people rather than political promises made during election campaigns.
