The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) has endorsed former Anambra State Governor and 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi, as its presidential flagbearer for the 2027 general election, with former Kano State Governor, Senator Rabiu Kwankwaso, named as his running mate.
The endorsement was ratified at a special national convention held in Abuja following a motion moved by Senator Victor Umeh and seconded by former Deputy Senate President, Ovie Omo-Agege.
Shortly after accepting the nomination, Obi unveiled Kwankwaso as his vice-presidential candidate, describing him as a dependable partner who would play an active role in governance rather than serve as a ceremonial deputy.
In his acceptance speech, Obi thanked the party leadership, delegates, and supporters across the country for the confidence reposed in him.
“I humbly accept this responsibility as the presidential candidate of our great party.
“I thank our party leaders, members of the National Working Committee, supporters, and millions of Nigerians who continue to believe in the possibility of a better nation,” he said.
Obi said his aspiration was driven by the desire to restore hope, rebuild public trust, and secure a better future for Nigerians.
“A New Nigeria is possible. This conviction must continue to guide us as we navigate the challenges ahead.
“Our mission is bigger than personal ambition; it is about the future of our country and generations yet unborn,” he stated.
He lamented the prevailing socio-economic challenges confronting the country, including insecurity, unemployment, poverty, and declining public confidence in government, but maintained that Nigeria has the human and material resources needed to overcome them.
Top on the agenda
The NDC candidate identified security, national unity, power supply, healthcare, education, youth empowerment, and job creation as major priorities of his administration if elected.
According to Obi, tackling unemployment would require deliberate support for Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) through targeted tax incentives, affordable financing, and favourable lending rates across sectors such as agriculture, manufacturing, entertainment, sports, and commerce.
“Our young people remain significantly underemployed. We will create an enabling environment that stimulates enterprise growth, expands opportunities, and generates sustainable jobs for millions of Nigerians,” he said.
On governance and anti-corruption, Obi pledged to reduce the cost of governance and ensure prudent management of public resources.
“Nigerians will witness a measurable reduction in corruption and waste in public service.
“Government resources will be managed with transparency, accountability, and fiscal discipline to ensure value for money and improved service delivery,” he assured.
He also pledged to strengthen democratic institutions, uphold the rule of law, and encourage constructive engagement with opposition parties.
“Under our administration, democracy will truly reflect governance of the people, by the people, and for the people.
“We will respect differing views, strengthen democratic institutions, and encourage collaboration in the national interest,” Obi added.
The convention ended with party leaders expressing confidence that the Obi-Kwankwaso ticket would offer Nigerians a credible alternative in the 2027 presidential election.
