By John Attah
Presidential candidate of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, has pledged to deliver at least 10,000 megawatts of electricity if elected president in 2027, promising to declare emergencies in education and the fight against corruption.
Obi made the commitments at a town hall meeting in Enugu, where he also promised to tackle insecurity, unemployment and hunger, while ensuring access to primary healthcare in every ward across the country.
He said Nigeria needed competent and accountable leadership to address its economic challenges, restore public confidence and improve living conditions.
“Today, our country is suffering. Today, people are hungry. Today, our children do not have employment. Today, Nigeria is not secured,” he said.
The former Anambra State governor pledged to prioritise security, insisting that his administration would confront criminal elements and work towards national unity.
“As president of Nigeria, I will unite Nigeria. As president of Nigeria, I will secure Nigeria. We will deal with security,” Obi declared.
On corruption, he said public funds must serve citizens’ interests, promising transparency in government spending and borrowing.
“People must stop stealing public money. Public money must be used for public good. That is why I am making my commitment. We will be accountable, we will be open,” he said.
Obi also pledged to explain government borrowing and expenditure to Nigerians, while promising to expand access to education and healthcare.
On electricity, he said reliable power supply was essential to industrial growth, job creation and economic development.
“As I promised, we will generate, transmit and distribute at least 10,000 megawatts of electricity, because we want industrial work,” he said.
Obi challenges Tinubu over borrowing
The NDC candidate challenged President Bola Tinubu to tour the country and account for his administration’s performance over the past three years, particularly its borrowing and expenditure.
“We are asking him: ‘Please spend at least 36 days and go round Nigeria and tell them what you have been doing for the past three years,’” Obi said.
He also demanded an explanation for the utilisation of funds borrowed by the Federal Government.
“We must go around Nigeria and tell them what he used nearly $100 billion he borrowed for,” he said.
Obi urged presidential aspirants to engage directly with Nigerians, understand their challenges and present clear plans for addressing them.
Utomi backs Obi-Kwankwaso ticket
Meanwhile, political economist, Prof. Pat Utomi, expressed support for a proposed political partnership between Obi and former Kano State governor, Rabiu Kwankwaso.
Utomi said the combination could offer Nigerians an alternative political direction, citing corruption, insecurity and disunity as obstacles to national development.
“We come before you to say to you that we have done our research and I know, that I know, that I know, that a combination of Peter Obi and Rabiu Kwankwaso will deliver Nigeria,” he said.
He urged Nigerians to participate actively in the electoral process and protect their votes.
“All that is left is for all of us to ensure that the people come out massively, vote, defend their votes and a new Nigeria will begin,” Utomi said.
He also appealed to Nigerians to support political change ahead of the 2027 elections.
