NDC: Time to rescue Nigeria is now
*As Obi, Kwankwaso backs presidency to the South
Frontline presidential aspirant of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, has declared that the time to rescue Nigeria is now, urging Nigerians to unite and rebuild the country ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Obi made the call on Saturday while addressing delegates at the maiden national convention of the NDC in Abuja, where party leaders also approved the zoning of the party’s presidential ticket to the South and inaugurated the party’s national officers.
The former Labour Party presidential candidate said Nigeria was currently facing severe economic hardship, insecurity, unemployment, and democratic decline, stressing that citizens must choose between “despair and national decline” or rebuilding the country on the principles of justice, competence, equity, and productivity.
“Our choice as a people is therefore clear: whether to surrender to despair and national decline, or to summon the courage to rescue our country and rebuild it on the foundations of unity, equity, justice, competence, and productivity,” Obi stated.
He described national unity as a necessity, warning against politics driven by ethnicity, religion, and regional divisions.
“No tribe can prosper alone. No religion can develop Nigeria in isolation. No region can achieve comparative greatness while other regions are left behind.
“Our diversity must become our strength, not a weapon of division in the hands of desperate politicians,” he said.
Obi also called for a shift from a consumption-driven economy to a productive economy anchored on agriculture and manufacturing.
“We must deliberately support agriculture and manufacturing so they become the highest contributors to our Gross Domestic Product.
“We must move decisively from a nation of consumption to a nation of production,” he added.
He lamented the state of governance in the country, alleging that democratic institutions were under threat and accusing some political actors of encouraging impunity and political intimidation.
“Nigeria today stands at a dangerous crossroads. Our democracy is under severe threat.
“Our nation is drifting without direction, and our people are passing through immense suffering,” Obi told delegates.
The former governor further stated that over 140 million Nigerians were living in multidimensional poverty, while inflation, unemployment, insecurity, and rising business closures continued to worsen living conditions.
Also speaking at the convention, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, leader of the Kwankwasiya political group and former Governor of Kano State, backed the decision to zone the party’s presidential ticket to the South, describing it as necessary for national healing and unity.
“Zoning to the South represents a true opportunity for real national healing,” Kwankwaso said.
He expressed optimism that Nigeria could regain prosperity through effective leadership and inclusive governance.
The convention ended with the confirmation and inauguration of party officers as the NDC formally commenced preparations for the 2027 elections.
