Peter Obi, the presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), has kicked off his campaign for the 2027 elections in Onitsha, Anambra State. This launch comes shortly after the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) announced the official timeline for the upcoming elections.

During the campaign launch, Obi outlined five pivotal questions that he believes should guide voters in their decision-making process. These questions focus on the current state of the nation, asking whether Nigerians are better off than they were four years ago, if they can afford essential services such as food, education, and healthcare, and whether businesses can thrive and create jobs. He also emphasized the importance of safety for farmers in getting their produce to market and the availability of productive work for young people.

Obi, accompanied by his running mate, Dr. Rabiu Kwankwaso, expressed a strong commitment to addressing pressing issues such as insecurity, poverty, and education. He stated, "We will defeat insecurity, pull people out of poverty, drastically reduce hunger, and improve education and healthcare."

In his address to the media, Obi stressed the need for all candidates in the presidential race to be transparent and accountable. He urged them to present their credentials and engage directly with the electorate, stating that true leadership requires empathy and presence. "No candidate should hide behind the high walls of power or send proxies to the hustings," he remarked, insisting that candidates must be willing to answer questions from the public.

Obi further articulated his vision for Nigeria, emphasizing the importance of unity and collective effort in addressing the nation's challenges. He called for a campaign that prioritizes the urgent concerns of Nigerians over divisive issues such as ethnicity and religion. "Our campaign will focus on capacity, competence, compassion, character, and commitment," he asserted.

Highlighting the need for a national conversation, Obi encouraged citizens to critically examine the records and proposals of all candidates. He believes that the campaign period is an opportunity for Nigerians to demand transparency and accountability from those vying for leadership positions. "Democracy does not end on election day," he noted, urging citizens to continue holding their leaders accountable.

Obi concluded by acknowledging the significant challenges facing Nigeria but expressed optimism about the country's potential for growth and transformation. He emphasized that the journey towards a better Nigeria requires collective action and a commitment to fairness and equity. As the campaign unfolds, Obi and his team plan to engage with Nigerians across the country, listening to their concerns and presenting their vision for a more productive and inclusive Nigeria.