By Musa Ubandawaki, Sokoto
SOKOTO — Presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress, NDC, Peter Obi, has identified education, security and national unity as the major priorities of his proposed administration if elected in the 2027 general elections.
Obi stated this on Monday in Sokoto during a town hall meeting with NDC delegates, party leaders and supporters at Sokoto Guest Inn.
The former Anambra State governor, who was accompanied by his running mate, former Kano State governor Rabiu Kwankwaso, and other party leaders, said the engagement was part of the party’s nationwide consultations ahead of the elections.
He said the NDC’s campaign would be “demand-driven, not supply-driven”, arguing that political leaders should first listen to citizens and understand their challenges before formulating policies.
“Our number one agenda for the people of Nigeria is education, security and peaceful coexistence among Nigerian citizens,” Obi said.
He said investment in education was critical to developing Nigeria’s human capital and creating opportunities for its growing youth population.
On security, the NDC candidate said his proposed administration would prioritise the protection of citizens and communities affected by kidnapping, violence and displacement.
“NDC is committed to providing security to Sokoto State and other parts of the country,” he said, adding that Nigerians should be able to travel, conduct businesses, cultivate their farms and carry out their daily activities without fear.
Obi also called for a politics centred on national unity rather than ethnic and religious divisions.
“We don’t want these politics of tribalism, politics of religion. No. We want politics of unity, politics of love, politics of care,” he said.
The presidential candidate further proposed linking state capitals by rail to facilitate the movement of people and goods and strengthen economic integration.
“We will ensure that all state capitals are linked with railway lines to enhance the transportation of goods and services,” he said.
He also listed job creation, poverty reduction, vocational and skills development, healthcare and empowerment of youths and women among the areas his administration would prioritise.
Speaking at the event, Kwankwaso said the delegation had earlier visited the Sultan of Sokoto to seek his prayers and blessings ahead of the 2027 elections.
He expressed concern over insecurity in rural communities, particularly kidnapping, killings and displacement.
“Many people in the rural parts of Sokoto State were killed, kidnapped or displaced with no cause,” Kwankwaso said.
He urged party supporters to mobilise peacefully and in accordance with electoral laws, stressing the importance of grassroots participation in the electoral process.
Welcoming the delegation, Sokoto State NDC chairman, Bello Sani Yabo, said the party was strengthening its structures across the 23 local government areas of the state.
He described Obi’s engagement with stakeholders as evidence of the importance attached to direct interaction with citizens and pledged continued grassroots mobilisation.
The NDC governorship candidate in the state, Dr Shamsudeen Haido, also urged residents to participate actively in the 2027 electoral process and vote for candidates of their choice.
The engagement came as political parties intensify consultations and grassroots mobilisation ahead of the 2027 elections.
INEC’s timetable currently schedules the Presidential and National Assembly elections for February 20, 2027, while the Governorship and State House of Assembly elections are fixed for March 6, 2027.
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