Presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, has pledged to tackle corruption, strengthen the economy and increase investment in education and healthcare if elected president in 2027.
Obi made the pledge on Tuesday during a town hall meeting in Lokoja, Kogi State, where he interacted with residents and discussed challenges facing the country.
The former Anambra State governor described entrenched corruption as a major obstacle to Nigeria’s development, insisting that it must be decisively addressed.
“Endemic, entrenched and institutional corruption remains at the core of many of the challenges confronting Nigeria today and must be decisively addressed,” he said.
Obi said his proposed administration would prioritise national unity, security, poverty reduction and investment in critical sectors to improve the living conditions of Nigerians.
He also emphasised the need to strengthen the country’s productive capacity and ensure wider access to quality education and healthcare.
During the meeting, participants discussed agriculture, tourism, the challenges facing the Ajaokuta Steel Company and other issues affecting national development.
As part of his visit, Obi paid a courtesy call on the Maigari of Lokoja, His Royal Highness, Dr Alhaji Ibrahim Gambo Kabir Maikarfi IV, who shared historical accounts of the city with him.
The presidential candidate also visited Holy Trinity Primary School, established in 1865, and the Iron of Liberty monument.
Reflecting on the history of the school, Obi expressed concern over the number of out-of-school children in Nigeria, saying the country had not done enough to build on the educational foundations laid by previous generations.
He further highlighted Kogi State’s tourism potential, noting that several attractions across the state and the country remained underutilised.
Obi also visited a business owner whose shopping complex was recently destroyed by fire before interacting with traders at Kpata Market in Lokoja.
According to him, the traders complained about rising prices and low patronage, which they attributed to the declining purchasing power of consumers.
The visit formed part of Obi’s nationwide town hall meetings ahead of the 2027 general elections, through which he has been engaging citizens on his proposed governance agenda and the challenges confronting Nigeria.