Presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, has pledged not to spend his holidays outside Nigeria if elected president in 2027.
Obi made the promise in his Independence Day address on Thursday, saying he would use his holidays to visit different parts of the country, interact with Nigerians and gain a better understanding of their challenges.
He listed Zamfara, Borno, Kwara, Ebonyi, Edo and Ekiti among the states he plans to visit during his four-year tenure.
“As I have always done, I will lead by example. In four years as President of this great nation, I will not spend my holidays outside Nigeria,” Obi said.
“I want to continue to see Nigeria. I want to know Nigeria. I want to spend time with Nigerians, listen to them, understand their challenges and celebrate their resilience.”
The former Anambra State governor said his proposed administration would make governance measurable and accountable, with emphasis on the welfare and productivity of Nigerians.
He said his message was one of hope and responsibility, expressing confidence that a new Nigeria was possible.
Obi also referenced his recent visit to an internally displaced persons camp at Ramin Kura in Sokoto State, where he said he interacted with displaced Nigerians alongside Senator Rabiu Kwankwaso.
According to him, the visit highlighted challenges including insecurity, poverty, youth unemployment, drug abuse and the number of children out of school.
He said many women and children were living in difficult conditions after being displaced from their communities and argued that they should instead be able to return home, attend school, farm, run businesses and contribute to the economy.
Obi said his proposed administration would seek to build a “secure, united and productive” Nigeria where public resources are used for the benefit of citizens.
He also described public office as a responsibility and a “sacred trust”, calling on citizens to demand accountability and reject the acceptance of failure as the country’s destiny.