ACCEPTANCE SPEECH BY MR. PETER OBI FOLLOWING HIS NOMINATION AS THE PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATE OF THE NIGERIAN DEMOCRATIC CONGRESS(NDC) – MAY 30, 2026
Protocols,
Esteemed citizens of Nigeria,
It is with deep humility that I accept the role of presidential candidate for our party.
I express my profound gratitude to the leaders of our party. His Excellency Seriake Dickson, the National Chairman, National Secretary and the National Working Committee, NWC members and members of our relentless supporters, and the Nigerian populace who have steadfastly kept the spirit of hope alive. I commend those who have made the journey from every region of our nation to convene here in Abuja.
I wish to assert unequivocally: a New Nigeria is Possible. This conviction has united us; it must serve as our compass on the challenging road ahead and sustain us through all trials we may face. This pivotal moment transcends the individual ambitions of Peter Obi; it concerns the essence of our nation and the future of our children. It is about rekindling hope for millions who have faced adversity yet remain committed to Nigeria.
Today, our nation finds itself at a crucial juncture, enveloped in uncertainty. Families are anxious about their safety; parents are concerned for their children's futures; and talented youth increasingly question their prospects in their homeland.
Businesses are struggling, communities are suffering, and an alarming number of citizens have lost faith in the very concept of governance. Yet, I stand before you filled with optimism and strong faith in the resilience of our people, for I firmly believe that a New Nigeria is possible.
UNITY
To realise this New Nigeria, we must first mend the foundational elements essential for the success of any nation.
Nigeria cannot advance while fragmented by ethnic, religious, regional, or narrow political divides. We may communicate in different languages and practise diverse faiths, but we share a singular destiny under one flag. Our diversity should not be a source of division; rather, it is among our greatest strengths.
We should build bridges where others erect barriers, replace mistrust with confidence, division with understanding, and resentment with a collective purpose. A united Nigeria is indispensable. As Will Durant wisely pointed out, "A great civilisation is not conquered from without until it has destroyed itself from within." We must never self-destruct. We must heal, unify, and progress together.
INSECURITY
In terms of security, the situation in Nigeria has considerably worsened. The global terrorism impact assessments ranked Nigeria as the 8th most affected nation in 2022, 6th in 2024, and 4th in 2026.
Yet, for many years, Nigeria garnered global recognition as a reliable contributor to peacekeeping, regional stabilisation, and conflict resolution. Our troops have not only displayed bravery but have also shown professionalism, discipline, resilience, and empathy in the most challenging operational contexts. Our officers and personnel have successfully commanded multiple international forthe ces, safeguarded vulnerable civilian populations, monitored ceasefires, reinstated constitutional order, and contributed to rebuilding efforts.
Nigeria became one of the leading contributors of troops from Africa to UN peacekeeping missions and earned widespread admiration for operational effectiveness and leadership in various countries, including Rwanda, Sudan, Liberia, Sierra Leone, Mali, Western Sahara, Congo, Lebanon, Cambodia, Haiti, and Kuwait. At one pointin a Nigeria, Lt. General Isaac Obiakor (rtd) even led global peacekeeping initiatives.
We must address insecurity with resolve and urgency, for no nation can thrive while its citizens live in trepidation. The primary responsibility of the government is to ensure the safeguarding of lives and property.
Dear children, happy celebrations!
As we honour you today, I reflect on the incredible talent, energy, and resilience you possess. You are not only the future of our nation but also its vibrant pulse in the present. Each time I look into the eyes of a child in Nigeria—whether in a classroom, a displaced persons' camp in Benue, or on the streets of Lagos—I see unparalleled potential. I envision future scientists, tech visionaries, leaders, and builders who can stand toe-to-toe with the world’s best if they have access to the right resources.
The true measure of a nation's leadership lies in how it cares for its youngest members. It is unacceptable that countless children remain out of school, and that essential healthcare and safety are seen as privileges instead of rights. To transform Nigeria from a nation of consumption to one of production, we must begin by investing significantly in you.
Leaders, parents, and educators, we must acknowledge that the best investment a nation can make is in developing its human capital, particularly through foundational education and healthcare. Failing to invest in our children today is akin to borrowing from our future.
To you, my dear children:
• Always keep dreaming: Your current situation does not limit your potential.
• Remain curious: Engage in reading, learning, and adopting new technologies. The world is evolving rapidly, and you have the intellect to lead that evolution.
• Take pride in your identity: As Nigerians, you embody resilience, brilliance, and the promise of greatness.
We will continue our efforts to cultivate a new Nigeria—one where your dreams are recognised, schools are safe, and your future is assured.
Blessings to all, and may God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria. -PO
On this World Nurses Day, I would like to take a moment to appreciate all the nurses and midwives in our dear nation, who occupy a very special place and play very critical roles in our health sector. As one who has been on the vanguard of investing in our critical sectors of human and national development, I have always maintained that you, our dear nurses, are the heart of our health sector.
Over the years, I have traversed different corners of our nation supporting different schools and colleges of nursing and midwifery because I understand the inevitable role you play in our healthcare delivery. As you mark this special day, I wish to, firstly, thank you for all your efforts and sacrifices. Your compassion, sacrifice, and resilience keep our nation alive. And secondly, I wish to encourage you not to relent in your service to humanity. Nigerian nurses work under some of the toughest conditions with dignity and courage. From physical and mental stress to high patient-to-nurse ratios, to lack of equipment and poor working environments, your resilience keeps our health sector going.
And beyond the shores of the nation, our nurses have continued to make exploits on the global stage. From leading the next generation research in nursing practice to championing excellence in clinical practice—many Nigerian nurses have written their names on the sands of time and lifted our national banner high. I celebrate you all.
My firm commitment to you all remains this — we will build a New Nigeria where your hard work and sacrifices will never go unnoticed. We will invest in your education and training to ensure that you remain competitive on the global stage. Happy World Nurses Day to you all.
A New Nigeria is POssible. -PO
Today, I held meetings in London with some stakeholders in British politics and business community, including Lord Jonathan Marland, the Chairman of the Commonwealth Enterprise and Investment Council (CWEIC).
The discussion with Lord Marland held particular importance as it centred on prospective trade opportunities, economic advancement, and the promotion of small businesses throughout Nigeria.
It is clear that fostering a robust economy and generating employment, as evidenced by rapidly growing nations like China, Indonesia, and Vietnam, necessitates a concerted effort to prioritise support for micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises.
As I have consistently asserted, our micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) serve as the driving force behind economic growth, and it is imperative that we provide them with vigorous support to enhance development and create significant employment opportunities, particularly within the agriculture and manufacturing sectors.
A New and revitalised Nigeria is POssible. -PO
The more I walk with Jesus, the more I learn not to force things
If I have done my best and it doesn’t work, I know my Father has a better plan for me
I trust Him completely
He has NEVER failed me.