Chuks Okocha in Abuja
With 150 days to the January 16, 2027 presidential election, the presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, said he would take his campaign straight to the youths in town halls, campuses, online spaces, and football communities.
As millions of Nigerian youths settle to watch Manchester United, Arsenal, Real Madrid, Barcelona and others, Obi argues that the biggest match is in Nigeria.
In a direct letter to Nigerian youths released at the weekend, Obi said Europe’s football spectacle should be more than entertainment.
In the letter titled “Beyond Football: The Match for a Better Nigeria,” Obi praised the organisation, discipline, and excellence that make European leagues the envy of the world.
“The answer is not a lack of talent. Nigeria has produced world-class footballers who have excelled in Europe because they found systems that reward merit, invest in infrastructure, ensure security, and are governed with competence and accountability.
“Great football does not exist in isolation. It grows where there is good governance.”
He listed what makes the difference: Stadiums, academies, transport, healthcare, security, electricity and institutions.
“Nigeria has the talent. What we have lacked is leadership that creates an enabling environment for that talent to flourish.”
“The Nigeria you admire abroad can be built here. But it starts with your vote.
“Imagine a Nigeria where our local league is competitive, our stadiums are full every weekend, our clubs attract sponsorship, our coaches receive proper training, and young footballers no longer see emigration as their only path to success.”
“Nigeria will not emerge through wishful thinking. It will emerge when young Nigerians decide that elections matter as much as football matches,” Obi said.
Obi framed the 2027 election as bigger than politics. He called it a choice between a nation that exports talent because it is respected, and one whose citizens leave because governance has failed them.
“Cheer for Manchester United, Arsenal, Chelsea, Liverpool, Manchester City, Barcelona, Real Madrid, Bayern Munich, PSG, Inter, AC Milan, or any club you support. Enjoy every match. But when the final whistle blows, remember that the greatest match awaiting Nigerian youths is not in Europe. It is in Nigeria.”
“It is the match for good governance. It is the match for jobs, security, education, sports development, and national renewal. And unlike football, where only twenty-two players are on the pitch, every Nigerian youth has a place in this match.”
Obi’s charge was blunt: “Stand up. Mobilise. Vote. Defend your vote.”
“If Nigerian youths can passionately follow European football every weekend, they can also passionately build a Nigeria where our own football — and our nation — becomes a source of pride.”
He promised to show up every weekend until election day with the same reminder:
“The journey towards better Nigerian football begins with the path to good governance. And the path to good governance begins with the decision of Nigerian youths to stand up and be counted in 2027.”
“It’s in your hands, and that new Nigeria is POSSIBLE.”