Peter Obi
Presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, has unveiled what he described as a comprehensive vision for rebuilding Nigeria, with a strong focus on education, healthcare, human capital development and industrialisation.
In a statement shared on his X account on Wednesday, July 1, Obi said his proposed roadmap would provide practical solutions to tackle poor governance, improve the quality of life of Nigerians and place the country on the path of sustainable development.
Reflecting on his decision to seek Nigeria’s highest office, Obi said his mission remains centred on national unity and transformation.
“Today, being the 1st of July, 2026, I wish to humbly recall that when I decided to contest for the office of President of Nigeria, I pledged to place Nigeria on the path of unity and national transformation,” he wrote.
He added that in the coming weeks and months, he would continue to unveil details of his policy direction.
“Now, as the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) candidate, I will, in the coming weeks and months, provide insights into the roadmap that I am confident will help curb abuse in government, halt the decline in the quality of life of Nigerians at all levels, and usher in an era of unity, peace, sustained progress, and prosperity.”
According to Obi, the vision is built on the principles of unity, inclusion, social justice, equity and the protection of citizens’ rights to pursue lawful aspirations.
“This vision is anchored on a commitment to unity, inclusion, social justice, equity, and the freedom of every citizen to pursue lawful dreams.”
The former Anambra State governor identified education and healthcare as the cornerstone of his development agenda, stressing that investment in people remains the surest path to national progress.
“Central to this proposed roadmap are significant reforms in education and healthcare, which are at the core of human capital development.”
He argued that developing Nigeria’s human capital is essential to economic growth and effective public service delivery.
“Robust human capital is indispensable infrastructure for national progress. It serves as the fundamental capital upon which daily life, economic expansion, and the delivery of essential public services depend.”
Obi also pledged to confront Nigeria’s out-of-school children crisis immediately upon assuming office.
“From the outset of my presidency, we will establish a task force dedicated to drastically reducing the menace of out-of-school children.”
He said his administration would prioritise Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) as part of efforts to drive industrialisation and boost value addition in agriculture through industrial parks spread across the country’s geopolitical zones.
The NDC candidate proposed increased funding for TVET institutions through partnerships involving government, the private sector and faith-based organisations, while drawing inspiration from Germany’s dual education model.
“Funding and improving the equipment of TVET institutions, through partnerships among government, the private sector, and social entrepreneurs such as faith-based educators, will facilitate apprenticeship opportunities in the private sector, similar to the German dual education system.”
Obi further lamented the disconnect between Nigeria’s high unemployment rate and the shortage of skilled labour, which he said has compelled many Nigerian entrepreneurs to establish businesses abroad.
“The situation in which unemployment remains high while Nigerian entrepreneurs establish businesses elsewhere because skilled labour is scarce must be confronted decisively.”
He maintained that addressing the skills gap would accelerate Nigeria’s transition from a consumption-based economy to one driven by production.
The former governor also proposed strengthening character and civic education to promote trust, leadership and shared national values among citizens.
“Character and civic education, emphasising the values that foster trust — an essential ingredient for enterprise and leadership — as well as shared national values, will receive significant attention within the tripartite approach to governance that we propose.”
Obi concluded his message with his familiar campaign slogan: “A New Nigeria is POssible.”
