As political momentum builds ahead of the 2027 general elections, Labour Party presidential candidate Mr. Peter Obi has called on northern leaders to unite in trust, end division, and prioritize competence over religious or ethnic sentiments in future elections.
Speaking on Sunday at a high-level meeting of the National Consultative Group (North) in Abuja, Obi stressed that Nigeria’s deepening insecurity, particularly in the northern region, is rooted in poverty and poor governance.
The crucial political gathering, held at the Continental Hotel in the nation’s capital, brought together key opposition figures including former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, former Rivers State Governor Rotimi Amaechi, Labour Party’s 2023 vice-presidential candidate Dr. Yusuf Datti Baba-Ahmed, and Obi himself. The meeting is believed to be part of broader consultations aimed at forming a formidable coalition to challenge President Bola Tinubu in 2027.
Obi delivered a stirring address in which he challenged the Tinubu administration’s priorities—specifically questioning the N15 trillion budgeted for the Lagos-Calabar coastal highway while northern communities remain plagued by insecurity and economic hardship.
“I have always said that the insecurity in Nigeria, especially in the North, rests on poverty,” Obi declared. “Kano, Kaduna, Maiduguri—once bustling with economic activity—have been left behind. When there’s poverty, there’s criminality. This is a governance issue, and it can be solved.”
He urged leaders to redirect national resources towards human capital development, proposing significant investments in agriculture, poverty alleviation, and industrial revitalization. “Imagine if we put N1.5 trillion into tackling insecurity in the North. We can capitalize the Agricultural Bank with N1 trillion and inject another N1 trillion into direct poverty alleviation,” he said.
Obi emphasized the North’s pivotal role in transforming Nigeria, describing the region as the nation’s “greatest asset” and “the key to national development.”
He called for a shift in the electoral mindset of Nigerians, especially northerners. “We have all tried in the past. We voted based on religion. Now, let’s vote for competence. Let’s vote for capacity. Let’s make this country work.”
In his closing remarks, Obi urged political stakeholders to begin rebuilding trust and unity. “This is the time for us to believe we are one and remove division. Let’s hold our leaders accountable and invest in humanity. Nigeria can work—it’s not difficult.”
The meeting marks a significant step in opposition efforts to realign forces and chart a new direction for the country ahead of the 2027 elections.
Comments