The presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, has pledged to tackle insecurity and Nigeria’s displacement crisis, declaring that his administration would consider itself a failure if any Nigerian remained in an Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camp 18 months after assuming office.
Obi made the pledge on Wednesday in Jos, Plateau State, while outlining his priorities ahead of the 2027 general election.
He identified national unity and security as key priorities, lamenting the growing divisions among Nigerians along ethnic and religious lines.
The former Anambra State governor stressed the need to unite the country and guarantee the safety of citizens, particularly residents of communities affected by persistent killings and displacement.
According to him, his administration would work towards ending the insecurity that has continued to claim lives and force residents from their communities, especially in Plateau and Benue states.
Obi stated that no Nigerian should continue to suffer displacement long after his government assumes office, insisting that the return of affected citizens to their communities would be a major measure of his administration’s performance.
He said: “After one year to 18 months in office, if any Nigerian remains in an IDP camp, we have failed.”
Citing his visits to Bokkos, Mangu and Barkin Ladi in Plateau State, Obi said he understood the difficulties confronting residents of communities affected by insecurity.
He also expressed confidence that a joint administration with former Kano State Governor, Rabiu Kwankwaso, as vice-president would address kidnapping and other security challenges across the country.
Obi further assured Nigerians that his proposed administration would prioritise the protection of schoolchildren and prevent kidnappers from abducting students and escaping into forests.
He maintained that restoring national unity, strengthening security and protecting lives would form the foundation of his government’s agenda if elected president in 2027.