Presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Mr Peter Obi, has declared that he and his running mate, Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, would consider their administration a failure if Nigerians were still living in Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camps 18 months after assuming office.
Obi made the pledge on Wednesday during an engagement in Jos, Plateau State, where he outlined his plans to address insecurity, national disunity and the displacement of communities ahead of the 2027 general election.
The former Anambra State governor said restoring national unity and ensuring the safety of citizens would be among the major priorities of an administration led by him and Kwankwaso.
He expressed concern over divisions along ethnic and religious lines, insisting that Nigerians must see themselves as one people despite their differences.
Obi also lamented the persistent killings and insecurity in parts of the country, particularly Plateau and Benue states, where violence has forced many residents to abandon their homes.
He said his administration would prioritise creating conditions that would allow displaced persons to return safely to their ancestral communities.
“I have said it, and I will repeat it that after one year to 18 months in office, if any Nigerian remains in an IDP camp, we have failed,” he declared.
Obi, who recalled visiting violence-affected communities in Bokkos, Mangu and Barkin Ladi Local Government Areas of Plateau State, said his encounters with victims had strengthened his resolve to seek the presidency.
He also expressed confidence that a joint administration with Kwankwaso would tackle kidnapping, assuring Nigerians that criminal elements would not be allowed to abduct schoolchildren and disappear into the bushes.
“Let me assure you that with Kwankwaso and I as the president and vice president of this country, nobody will kidnap school children and go into the bush,” he said.
The NDC candidate’s remarks form part of his broader campaign message ahead of the 2027 election, with emphasis on national unity, security and the safe return of displaced Nigerians to their communities.