By Cletus Asuquo
The presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress, Peter Obi, has promised to take decisive action against kidnapping, insecurity and corruption if elected president in 2027.
Obi gave the assurance during a town hall meeting in Calabar, Cross River State, on Wednesday, where he outlined his priorities, including national unity, security, education, healthcare and the welfare of Nigerians.
The former Anambra State governor said Nigeria’s growing security challenges could only be effectively addressed if the country overcame its divisions and worked towards a common purpose.
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He said national unity would provide the foundation for tackling insecurity and other challenges confronting the country.
“Our commitment is to unite Nigeria. Nigeria today is not united. If we unite Nigeria today, we will have the strength to fight insecurity,” he said.
On the rising cases of kidnapping, particularly the abduction of schoolchildren, Obi vowed that security agencies under his administration would pursue criminals into their hideouts to secure the release of their victims.
“Security agencies under my watch would pursue kidnappers into their hideouts to ensure the safe rescue of abducted schoolchildren.
“Anybody that kidnaps schoolchildren and goes into the bush, we will be in that bush with him, wherever it is. We are not scared of him,” he stated.
The NDC candidate also pledged to confront corruption, insisting that public resources must be used to improve the living conditions of Nigerians rather than diverted for personal enrichment.
“We will fight corruption head-on. We want people to stop stealing public money. Public money must be used for public good and for the welfare of the people,” Obi said.
He further promised increased investment in education and healthcare, describing the sectors as critical to national development and the improvement of citizens’ living standards.
According to him, his political partnership represents a different approach to governance, anchored on shared responsibility and a commitment to building a country where citizens can enjoy better opportunities.
“We represent a new Nigeria that is possible. We represent a governance that people have not seen in Nigeria before,” he said.
Obi explained that the town hall meeting was organised to give residents an opportunity to ask questions, express their concerns and seek clarification on issues affecting them.
He encouraged participants to speak freely, stressing that the engagement was designed to make citizens’ concerns central to the political process.
“The style is to listen to you. You are free to ask any question. No restriction. Make any comment. That is why we are here,” he added.
Meanwhile, the convoy of the presidential candidate was reportedly attacked by hoodlums on his way to the venue of the town hall meeting.
The Cross River State Police Command subsequently arrested a 27-year-old suspect, identified as Victor Edet Yellow Duke, in connection with the alleged attack, while investigations into the incident commenced.
