By Zuleihat Owuiye, Nigeria

The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) has described former Anambra State governor, Peter Obi, as the most suitable candidate to lead Nigeria in the 2027 presidential election.

The party expressed confidence in Obi’s leadership abilities as it officially commenced its campaign activities for the 2027 general elections in Abia State, promising to pursue industrialisation, responsible management of public resources and improved living conditions for Nigerians.

Speaking at the campaign flag-off ceremony, the NDC Chairman in Abia State, Chief Ako Atuloma, said Obi’s emergence as president would usher in a new era of accountable leadership and national development.

Atuloma described the NDC as a political platform created to offer Nigerians a fresh direction, adding that the party was inspired by Obi’s approach to leadership and his record in public service.

According to him, Nigeria needs a leader who places citizens’ welfare above personal interests, exercises discipline in government spending and demonstrates transparency in the management of public resources.

He maintained that Obi possesses the qualities required to rebuild public confidence in government and steer the country towards sustainable development.

The state chairman also disclosed that the party had carefully selected its governorship candidate, expressing confidence in his ability to provide effective leadership in Abia.

He urged residents to support the NDC, predicting that the political movement associated with Obi’s popularity during the 2023 elections could have a significant impact on the 2027 polls.

Speaking at the event, the party’s governorship candidate, Chief Etugo Ogah, promised to prioritise infrastructure development and what he described as ‘stomach infrastructure’ to address hunger and economic difficulties confronting residents.

Ogah expressed dissatisfaction with what he considered the level of development in Abia compared with the economic resources available to the state.

He argued that Abia has the potential to become one of the leading industrial centres in sub-Saharan Africa if its resources are properly harnessed.

He identified infrastructure, healthcare and industrialisation as major areas requiring urgent attention, stressing that government policies must translate into meaningful improvements in people’s lives.

The governorship hopeful also promised to attract investors, entrepreneurs and skilled professionals from countries such as China, Japan, South Korea, Taiwan and Indonesia to establish industries in the state.

He said his ambition was to transform Abia into a major manufacturing and export destination similar to Guangzhou in China, where locally produced goods compete in international markets.

According to Ogah, developing the state’s industrial sector would generate employment opportunities, increase internally generated revenue and reduce dependence on imported goods.

On his proposed first 100 days in office, he said addressing hunger and improving residents’ welfare would be among his administration’s immediate priorities if elected.

He also pledged to ensure responsible management of public funds, questioning the need for excessive government spending when cheaper and more efficient alternatives could achieve similar results.

Ogah, who disclosed that he had been active in Abia politics since 2006, said his experience and understanding of the state’s challenges would position him to deliver effective governance.

He further praised Obi’s modest lifestyle, financial discipline and commitment to the welfare of ordinary Nigerians, describing these qualities as examples he hoped to reflect in his own administration.

The NDC candidate maintained that Obi had the capacity to address Nigeria’s numerous challenges and called on residents to support his presidential ambition.

Also speaking, the party’s Abia North senatorial candidate and former House of Representatives member for Arochukwu/Ohafia Federal Constituency, Hon. Uko Nkole, expressed confidence in the NDC’s growing support base across the state.

Nkole, a former Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) lawmaker, described the NDC as a platform capable of bringing relief to Nigerians and urged voters to reject the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in the 2027 elections.

He argued that Obi’s competence and reputation for integrity made him suitable for the presidency, adding that his ambition also presented the South-East with a significant opportunity to produce Nigeria’s next president.

Other party members, including the NDC House of Assembly candidate for Umuahia East Constituency, Chinedum Obilor, popularly known as Iyierioba, also expressed optimism about the party’s chances.

Obilor predicted a decisive victory for Obi and other NDC candidates in the forthcoming elections.

The campaign flag-off attracted a large gathering of party supporters, members and various support groups, marking the party’s early mobilisation efforts ahead of the 2027 general elections.