The presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) for the 2027 general election, Peter Obi, has unveiled his vision for what he described as a “productive and prosperous Nigeria,” promising comprehensive reforms in education, healthcare, industrialisation and governance if elected president.
Obi outlined his plans in a statement issued on Wednesday to mark the beginning of a new month, saying his administration would focus on rebuilding the nation’s human capital, promoting national unity and pursuing inclusive governance as the foundation for sustainable economic development.
The former Anambra State governor said his decision to seek Nigeria’s highest office was driven by a desire to reposition the country on the path of unity, economic growth and national transformation.
“Now, as the Nigeria Democratic Congress candidate, I will, in the coming weeks and months, provide insights into the roadmap that I am confident will help curb abuse in government, halt the decline in the quality of life of Nigerians at all levels, and usher in an era of unity, peace, sustained progress, and prosperity,” Obi said.
He explained that the proposed roadmap would be built on the principles of unity, inclusion, equity, social justice and equal opportunities for all Nigerians.
According to him, “the roadmap is anchored on unity, inclusion, social justice, equity, and the freedom of every citizen to pursue lawful dreams.”
Human Capital Development
Obi identified education and healthcare as the cornerstones of his proposed administration, describing investment in human capital as critical to national development and economic competitiveness.
“Robust human capital is indispensable infrastructure for national progress. It serves as the fundamental capital upon which daily life, economic expansion, and the delivery of essential public services depend,” he stated.
As part of his education agenda, Obi pledged to establish a national task force immediately after assuming office to tackle Nigeria’s growing out-of-school children crisis.
“From the outset of my presidency, we will establish a task force dedicated to drastically reducing the menace of out-of-school children,” he said.
Focus on Technical Education
The former governor also promised to prioritise Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET), saying the policy would support industrialisation, agricultural value addition and employment generation.
He explained that his administration would strengthen technical institutions through partnerships involving government, the private sector and faith-based educational organisations while creating apprenticeship opportunities modelled after Germany’s dual education system.
“We will place greater emphasis on Technical and Vocational Education and Training to support our drive for massive industrialisation, anchored on our agricultural endowments and value addition across value chains organised around industrial parks to be located in development zones across the geopolitical regions of the country.
“Funding and improving the equipment of TVET institutions, through partnerships among government, the private sector, and social entrepreneurs such as faith-based educators, will facilitate apprenticeship opportunities in the private sector, similar to the German dual education system,” he said.
Obi lamented the shortage of skilled manpower in Nigeria despite rising unemployment, noting that many Nigerian entrepreneurs now establish businesses outside the country because of the scarcity of qualified workers.
“The situation in which unemployment remains high while Nigerian entrepreneurs establish businesses elsewhere because skilled labour is scarce must be confronted decisively,” he added.
Civic Education, National Values
Beyond technical skills, Obi said his administration would strengthen character and civic education to foster integrity, responsible leadership and shared national values among citizens.
He maintained that rebuilding trust in public institutions and promoting ethical leadership would be essential to achieving lasting national development.
The statement forms part of Obi’s efforts to outline his policy agenda ahead of the 2027 presidential election, with the NDC flag bearer indicating that more detailed policy proposals would be unveiled in the coming months.
He concluded the message with his campaign slogan: “A New Nigeria is Possible.”