Peter Obi, Kwankwaso Pledge to Reset Nigeria, Move Economy from Consumption to Production

Peter Obi, Kwankwaso Pledge to Reset Nigeria, Move Economy from Consumption to Production

Presidential candidate Peter Obi has pledged to unite Nigeria, tackle insecurity, reduce poverty and reposition the country from a consumption-driven economy to one based on production, investment and job creation.

Obi made the commitment in his address marking the commencement of the 2027 Presidential and National Assembly campaign season, describing the election as a defining moment for Nigeria’s democracy.

He said Nigeria was facing serious challenges, including poverty, insecurity, unemployment, weak infrastructure, unreliable electricity and the high cost of doing business, but insisted that the country had the resources, talent and entrepreneurial capacity to overcome them.

«“Nigeria can work, and Nigeria must work,” Obi declared.»

The former Anambra State governor said his administration, if given the mandate, would focus on responsible management of public resources, clear priorities and measurable results.

According to him, his experience in the private sector and as governor of Anambra had strengthened his conviction that public office must be treated as a responsibility rather than a reward.

Obi also highlighted the governing experience of his running mate, Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, particularly his record in Kano State in education, technical training, scholarships, infrastructure and human-capital development.

He said although their experiences were different, both shared the belief that Nigeria must invest in its people and manage public resources with discipline.

ECONOMY

Obi said his economic agenda would place production, investment, enterprise and human capital at the centre of governance.

He promised to improve agricultural productivity by securing farming communities, expanding irrigation, improving rural roads and storage facilities, and connecting farmers to finance and markets.

He also pledged to strengthen manufacturing and agro-processing, arguing that Nigeria must process more of what it produces and export more finished goods.

“Every naira should have a clear purpose, and major public investments should have measurable outcomes,” he said.

The presidential hopeful said the ultimate objective would not simply be economic growth, but an economy capable of producing more, creating jobs, generating wealth and improving the living standards of Nigerians.

SECURITY

On insecurity, Obi said no country could prosper when citizens were unable to live, farm, travel or conduct businesses safely.

He proposed stronger intelligence gathering and coordination among security agencies, improved policing and border management, and greater use of technology.

He also backed the decentralisation of security management, while stressing the need for strong coordination between the different levels of government.

According to him, security policy must also tackle the socio-economic conditions that make vulnerable young people susceptible to criminal recruitment.

FROM CONSUMPTION TO PRODUCTION

Obi said Nigeria must stop relying heavily on imports and instead develop its domestic productive capacity.

He identified agriculture, manufacturing, technology, construction, energy, creative industries and services as sectors capable of driving economic transformation.

“Nigeria cannot import its way to prosperity,” he said, stressing that the country must produce more of what it consumes, process more of what it produces and compete more effectively in international markets.

YOUTH AND HUMAN CAPITAL

The former Anambra governor described Nigeria’s youthful population as one of the country's greatest assets rather than a burden.

He promised to strengthen basic education, universities and technical and vocational training, saying Nigeria needed to develop professionals alongside technicians, artisans, farmers, programmers, manufacturers and entrepreneurs.

He also pledged to strengthen primary healthcare, improve maternal and child health, expand access to essential medicines and improve the working conditions and capacity of healthcare workers.

REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT

Obi said every region of Nigeria must become productive, contribute to national development and benefit from economic growth.

He outlined different economic opportunities across the six geopolitical zones, including agriculture and agro-processing in the North-West, reconstruction and regional trade in the North-East, food production and mineral development in the North-Central, and manufacturing, technology and finance in the South-West.

He said the South-East could build on its entrepreneurial and industrial strength, while the South-South could derive greater value from oil and gas while developing maritime services, fisheries and agriculture.

He also said the Federal Capital Territory should demonstrate efficient urban planning, transportation, housing, sanitation, security and public services.

«“Every region must produce. Every region must contribute. Every region must benefit,” he said.»

CALL FOR ISSUE-BASED CAMPAIGN

Obi urged Nigerians to scrutinise the records and proposals of all presidential candidates and demand evidence behind campaign promises.

He called for political competition without violence, hatred, ethnic division or religious intolerance.

He also challenged presidential candidates to personally engage Nigerians rather than rely entirely on proxies and surrogates.

According to him, true leadership requires candidates to visit communities, listen to citizens, answer difficult questions and defend their records before the electorate.

Obi pledged that he and his running mate would personally take their campaign message across the country.

“We will listen to them, understand their concerns, and engage them openly. We will not delegate this duty to proxies,” he said.

He said the 2027 election should be guided by capacity, competence, compassion, character and commitment, rather than ethnicity, religion, elitism or cronyism.

Obi concluded by pledging to begin what he described as the journey of “resetting Nigeria” by uniting the country, securing it, promoting inclusive economic growth and moving Nigeria from consumption to production.