The presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress, Mr Peter Obi, has vowed to declare an immediate state of emergency on corruption, education and power generation if elected president in 2027.

Obi made the pledge during a massive public engagement and town hall meeting in Enugu State on Thursday, as part of his ongoing nationwide tour that recently took him to Nasarawa and Ebonyi states, among others.

Addressing cheering supporters, the former Anambra State governor said Nigeria required a competent, energetic and compassionate leader to steer the country towards security and economic recovery.

According to him, the presidency is not a position for convenience but one that demands physical stamina, total commitment and direct grassroots engagement.

“This job requires energy. As President of Nigeria, I will unite Nigeria, secure Nigeria and deal decisively with insecurity,” Obi said, adding that he would lead security efforts from the frontlines alongside security operatives.

He said, “I will not be president, and somebody will kidnap our children; we will enter the bush together. If there is a general bush, I will be in that bush with them.”

On corruption, Obi said public funds must strictly serve public interests and that transparent accountability would form the cornerstone of his administration. “People must stop stealing public money. Public money must be used for public good. We will be accountable, we will be open. If you want to borrow money, you will know what your money is being borrowed for,” he stated.

He also promised to declare an emergency in education and ensure adequate healthcare, saying primary healthcare centres would be established in every ward across Nigeria. “As President, I have said we will generate, transmit and distribute at least 10,000 megawatts of electricity because we want industrial work,” Obi added.

Taking a swipe at the current administration, the NDC presidential candidate challenged the leadership to account for its tenure and extensive foreign travels, questioning the tangible impact of international trips and foreign loans on the average Nigerian. He said, “Our president has travelled out of this country over 350 times. Now we are asking him, please spend at least 36 days and go round Nigeria and tell the people what you have been doing for the past three years. You must come and tell us where our money is. All the money you earned, we want to know what it was used for.”

Obi challenged political opponents to match his nationwide mobilisation strategy by moving across the country to interact directly with citizens rather than relying on distant platforms. “Let other candidates move around Nigeria and tell Nigerians what they will do. Your president said he will not campaign all over Nigeria. He must come and campaign and tell the people what he has to offer. Whoever wants to be president must go round and account for his time,” he said.

He urged the electorate to protect their votes and carefully evaluate candidates based on competence, capacity and genuine commitment to national transformation. “Do not vote for me because I am Igbo; vote for me because I am the most qualified to be president,” Obi charged.

He further stated that his vision was to build a society where every child, regardless of background, could aspire to greatness. “We will build a society where the child of nobody will become somebody. We must move Nigeria from consumption to production,” he said, assuring supporters that their sacrifice would not be in vain.

Earlier in his remarks, renowned economist and political activist Prof. Pat Utomi said Nigeria would become one of the greatest places to live if the right leadership emerged. “Our country will become one of the greatest places to live. The time is now for genuine change to happen. We need to ensure that people come out massively, vote and defend their votes,” Utomi said.

Also speaking, the senator representing Anambra Central, Chief Victor Umeh, described the Obi-Kwankwaso ticket as the best for Nigeria, saying both candidates were ready to serve with wisdom and commitment. “Obi and Kwankwaso are the best ticket; they are ready to serve. They have the wisdom and commitment to change Nigeria for the better. Nobody can intimidate us. We will fight and ensure that we win the election. Our votes in the South-East are for you. Nobody will rig the election. We must use our votes to make a statement in 2027,” Umeh declared.

He also commended the NDC vice-presidential candidate, Senator Rabiu Kwankwaso, for helping to galvanise support in the North. “We must thank Kwankwaso, who is helping us to conquer the North,” he added.

In his welcome address, the governorship candidate of the NDC in Enugu State, Mr Chinyeaka Ohaa, said the 2027 election was not about an Igbo presidency but about building a new Nigeria that works for everyone. “It is not about an Igbo president but about building a new Nigeria that works for everyone. Obi represents the hope of many Nigerians. And our people are solidly behind him,” Ohaa said.

He recalled that in 2024, during a meeting with Kwankwaso in the United Kingdom, they discussed the possibility of another “Handshake Across the Niger”, reminiscent of the historic political understanding between the NCNC, led by Dr Nnamdi Azikiwe, and the NPC, led by Sir Ahmadu Bello.

“Today, by the grace of God, that vision is approaching reality through the NDC Obi-Kwankwaso partnership. We are presented with a potentially historic opportunity for an Igbo son to lead Nigeria as an elected president, an opportunity that has eluded our people since independence. History is calling, and we must not allow this moment to pass,” he said.

Ohaa urged Ndi Igbo to seize the opportunity and work with brothers and sisters across other regions to secure an NDC victory in 2027.

“My message to Ndi Igbo is simple: THE TIME IS NOW! We must seize this opportunity and work with our brothers and sisters across the South-South, South-West, North-East, North-West and North-Central to secure an NDC victory in 2027. This is not merely about an Igbo presidency; it is about building a new Nigeria founded on justice, competence, accountability, security and prosperity for all,” he stated.

He added, “The handshake across the Niger must become a bridge across Nigeria, a bridge of unity, mutual respect and shared destiny. Ndi Enugu are ready! As the NDC governorship candidate, I am confident that our people are prepared for a new direction and a government that puts their welfare first. We are determined to win their trust and secure victory in 2027. The road to the Lion Building is open, and we are ready to lead Enugu into a new era.”

Ohaa called on Nigerians to turn hope into organisation, organisation into votes and votes into victory. “To Ndi Igbo, I say: do not stand aside while history is being made. To Ndi Enugu, I say: the future of our state is in our hands. And to all Nigerians, I say: let us unite to build a country that works for everyone. The time is now. Together, let us secure an NDC victory in Nigeria and also in Enugu State. Let us work towards a new Nigeria in 2027,” he said.