My Vision for a Productive and Prosperous Nigeria
Today, being the 1st of July, 2026, I wish to humbly recall that when I decided to contest for the office of President of Nigeria, I pledged to place Nigeria on the path of unity and national transformation. Now, as the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) 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.
This vision is anchored on a commitment to unity, inclusion, social justice, equity, and the freedom of every citizen to pursue lawful dreams.
Central to this proposed roadmap are significant reforms in education and healthcare, which are at the core of human capital development.
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.
These are foundational areas that we must reform with energy and determination if we are to reap the demographic dividend of our youthful population.
From the outset of my presidency, we will establish a task force dedicated to drastically reducing the menace of out-of-school children. We will place greater emphasis on Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) 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.
The situation in which unemployment remains high while Nigerian entrepreneurs establish businesses elsewhere because skilled labour is scarce must be confronted decisively. Doing so is essential for the common good and for facilitating our transition from a consumption-driven economy to a production-driven one.
Character and civic education, emphasising the values that foster trust - an essential ingredient for enterprise and leadership - as well as shared national values, will receive significant attention within the tripartite approach to governance that we propose.
A New Nigeria is POssible. -PO
@PeterObi Sir, that Section E, Question 6, represent one man that doesn't want his academy qualifications to be release, according to him it will damage his reputation if really he has one...WE KNOW THEM, INEC EQUALLY KNOW THEM
What Truly Should Be Our Priority Now as Leaders of a Nation?
This question has become necessary, given where we are today as a nation and where we are supposed to be.
While completing my INEC nomination form yesterday, Section E, Question 1 caught my attention. It asks: “Have you ever been adjudged a lunatic or been declared a person of unsound mind?” The answer is either Yes or No. That question got me thinking: Can we, as the political leaders of today’s Nigeria, truly say we are exhibiting the characteristics of a sound mind?
When Nigerians, including children and security personnel, are being abducted into the bushes, citizens cannot travel safely on our highways, several million Nigerians are uncertain where their next meal will come from, and several billions are being siphoned frivolously through non-existent agencies and projects, should politics really be our primary preoccupation?
A sound-minded leadership would have declared these existential challenges a national emergency and immediately mobilised all relevant institutions, security agencies, experts, community leaders, and other critical stakeholders to confront them with urgency and resolve. At a moment like this, the survival, security, and stability of Nigeria must take precedence over every other consideration. This is a time for decisive action, not political calculation or the pursuit of partisan advantage.
Further in the same Section E, Question 6, was: “Have you ever presented a forged certificate to INEC?” Again, the answer is either Yes or No. This raises another important question: Why shouldn’t INEC, in the interest of ensuring that our leaders are exemplary in following the rules and to strengthen public confidence in our electoral process, publish the academic certificates and credentials submitted by every candidate seeking elective office?
Transparency strengthens democracy and builds public trust. Nigeria’s problems are too serious for politics as usual. It is time for leadership defined by competence, character, capacity, compassion, and commitment to service.
A New Nigeria is POssible. -PO
Today, the NDC has filed an appeal against the ruling as well as a stay of execution/injunction, which has been served with a covering letter to the INEC chairman and his team to do what is right according to law and what is legally sensible.
The Nigeria Democratic Congress has come to stay and remains a duly registered party in Nigeria which has participated in all the political processes so far, and, as I said yesterday, nomination processes have already been concluded and, in the eyes of the law, candidates have already emerged from the party for all offices across the country in primaries observed, monitored and recorded by INEC.
What is left is the administrative process of submitting the names to INEC, and we have been granted access to the portal to upload our qualified candidates.
My name and that of the Presidential Candidate have been uploaded to the INEC portal, while that of the Vice Presidential Candidate will be done tomorrow upon completion of the deposition. The process is also ongoing for other candidates.
In accordance with the INEC timetable, which we have religiously abided by, we have between now and the 11th of next month to upload all National Assembly candidates, while those of governors and State Houses of Assembly will end on the 17th of July. So there is enough time for all candidates' names to be submitted to INEC and there is no reason for anyone to panic.
As National Leader, I must also thank all aspirants and those who indicated interest for various offices. As they know, only one person can emerge victorious in primaries, no matter how well conducted. The processes were not perfect, but we have tried to resolve these differences within this short period, for a new party dealing with such a high volume of aspirants in a direct primary situation managed by stakeholders in every state and by party leaders.
The reconciliation processes have started and we expect them to reach everyone, to complement what I and the leadership have continued to do. And we assure them that all those who expressed interest will be carried along in the party's campaigns, committees and structures, because they constitute the grassroots strength and the backbone of our party.
Congratulations to all NDC candidates, members and all Nigerians and lovers of democracy.
Our multi-party democracy must not die. We will not allow desperados and mercenaries parading as political leaders to destroy our hard-earned democracy.
We thank Nigerians for their solidarity, support and prayers.
We also thank INEC, led by Professor Joash Amupitan, for their professionalism so far, and we expect them to continue on this path, and they will have the understanding of us all.
While we are thanking him for his actions in registering the NDC and two other parties as directed by the court, I also note his stance in filing an affidavit in opposition to the suit to deregister some opposition parties, and in reversing the non-recognition of the chairmanship of David Mark of the ADC as directed by the court.
Despite the imperfections of our institutions, INEC, the judiciary and security agencies, all leaders must be united to preserve the neutrality of the institutions that protect our democracy and our nation's integrity.
Having filed and served our appeal and the accompanying applications, the ball is now in the court of the judiciary, and we expect the judiciary to do what is right under the law.
Long live the NDC.
Long live Nigerian democracy.
HSD
My Stance on Road Development
There is a pertinent reason I have consistently advocated that we should refrain from initiating new road construction projects until we have thoroughly rehabilitated and maintained our existing road network. Instead of undertaking new ventures and dualization projects that offer marginal benefits, our primary focus ought to be on repairing the critical roads already in place.
Consider, for instance, the Asaba–Benin Road. This thoroughfare is a vital artery within Nigeria's transportation infrastructure. Travellers traversing from Akwa Ibom, Anambra, Rivers, Imo, Ebonyi, Cross River, Abia, Enugu, and portions of Benue and Kogi States to Lagos are compelled to utilise this route.
Despite its significance, substantial sections of this road are in a lamentable condition. It has become a major impediment, precipitating persistent traffic congestion and inflicting undue hardship on travellers, businesses, and transport operators.
Regrettably, this situation is not unique; it reflects the reality on many of our busiest national highways.
Our efforts should be directed towards the reconstruction and maintenance of our current road infrastructure before we announce plans for new road projects. The Nigerian populace requires functional and motorable roads, not merely projects that garner public attention.
Efforts aimed at superficial improvements for political gain should not supersede the urgent need to address the condition of our existing, critical roadways.
A new Nigeria is POssible. -PO
Engaging Tomorrow’s Leaders at Madonna University
Yesterday, I continued my engagement with future leaders in the country. I was at Madonna University, Okija Campus, where I had the privilege of interacting with students at the NextGen Mentorship & Leadership Initiative on the theme: “Beyond Now: Raising the Next Generation of Leaders.”
The session was highly engaging, with students asking thoughtful and probing questions. Their concerns reflected the frustration of many young Nigerians who feel constrained by poor governance and widespread corruption, which have denied them opportunities to realise their full potential. However, I was equally encouraged by their optimism and determination to be part of the solution.
I reminded them that leadership is the greatest determinant of a nation’s progress. A true leader must possess the character, competence, capacity, and compassion to make sacrifices for the good of the people. Nigeria’s future depends on leaders committed to safeguarding lives, investing in education, creating opportunities, and building effective institutions.
I encouraged the students to take their education seriously, to prepare themselves for leadership, and to see themselves not merely as spectators but as agents of change. Through active participation in the democratic process, they have the power to enthrone leaders with integrity and the capacity to propel our nation forward.
As part of my ongoing commitment to education, I presented a cheque of ₦15 million to the university to support its educational mission. Investing in education remains one of the most effective ways to develop the human capital necessary for national progress.
Together, by raising a new generation of responsible and visionary leaders, we can build the Nigeria of our dreams that is POssible. -PO
Delighted to Return to School of Nursing Sciences, Emekuku, Owerri, Imo State.
In continuation of my itinerant visits to educational and healthcare institutions in the country, yesterday, I visited the School of Nursing Sciences, Holy Rosary Hospital, Emekuku, where I met with the management, staff, and students, and presented a donation of ₦15 million to the institution.
I reminded the students that the world needs them more than they need the world because healthcare is one of humanity’s most fundamental needs. Any nation that truly desires development must invest in the education and training of healthcare professionals, who remain indispensable to the well-being and productivity of society.
I was delighted to inspect the computer laboratory, which I had previously supported, and to witness the remarkable progress the institution has made. It was also encouraging to reflect on other health institutions, such as Iyi-Enu and Borromeo, which I supported over the years and which have now grown into teaching hospitals. Their transformation reinforces my belief that sustained investments in health and education can produce enduring results. I look forward to seeing Holy Rosary Hospital attain the same status.
Our vision must be to build a Nigeria where functional institutions produce competent professionals, where investments are directed to critical sectors that lift people out of poverty, and where every child, regardless of background, has the opportunity to succeed. That is how we will build a nation where the son of nobody can become somebody without knowing anybody.
A New Nigeria is POssible. -PO
Moçambique manifesta a sua solidariedade para com o povo e o Governo da República Bolivariana da Venezuela na sequência dos sismos que atingiram aquele país.
Endereçamos as nossas mais sentidas condolências às famílias das vítimas e desejamos uma rápida recuperação aos feridos. 🇲🇿🇻🇪
Lokoja Judgment: An Unnecessary Serious Setback for Nigerian Democracy
Today was an exceptionally busy day. I left Lagos in the early hours for Emekuku, where I visited the School of Nursing Sciences, an institution I have consistently supported over the years. It was gratifying to inspect projects funded through my previous interventions, including the school’s computer laboratory. Such investments reaffirm my belief that education remains one of the strongest foundations for national development.
From there, I attended the 80th birthday celebration of the Emeritus Archbishop of Owerri, Most Rev. Dr Anthony Obinna, whose commitment to justice, peace, and the common good has inspired many, before proceeding to Madonna University for another engagement.
It was at Madonna University that I received the court news of the Lokoja court rulings through my brother, Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso.
Every Nigerian committed to the country’s progress should be deeply concerned. This judgment represents another setback for our democracy and the institutions upon which our future depends.
It is regrettable that some who claim to champion democracy now appear determined to weaken the very institutions that sustain it. In doing so, they are undermining public confidence and endangering the future of millions of Nigerians.
The legislature and the judiciary are increasingly being drawn into this pattern of institutional decline. Democracy cannot thrive where institutions lose their independence and credibility.
Those who seek to weaken Nigeria’s democratic foundations will not ultimately prevail. When a similar situation recently affected the ADC, I condemned it without hesitation. I do so again today because my position has always been guided by principle.
My concern is not about who becomes President. My concern is that Nigeria works. Our politics must move beyond the quest for power and focus instead on building a united nation founded on justice, strong institutions, the rule of law, and equal opportunity. That is the Nigeria we owe ourselves and the one we must leave for future generations.
I therefore urge all well-meaning Nigerians to rise above partisan interests and defend our democracy. The survival of our institutions is inseparable from the survival of our nation. It's when we work together that a new Nigeria of our dream is made POssible. -PO