The presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, has officially unveiled former Kano state governor, Rabiu Kwankwaso, as his running mate for the 2027 general elections.
Obi made the announcement after his official confirmation as the NDC presidential candidate at the party’s national convention held in Abuja on Saturday.
Speaking after his emergence, the former governor of Anambra state pledged that his administration will work to drastically reduce corruption in Nigeria if elected president in 2027.
According to him, public resources currently “wasted on luxuries” would be redirected to critical sectors of the economy.
“We will drastically reduce the cost of governance and corruption. This waste must stop,” Obi said.
The former governor said corruption could only reduce significantly if public officials and their families refrain from abusing public resources.
He further pledged to uphold the rule of law, noting that his administration would end government interference in the judiciary and ensure that court judgements are based strictly on legal interpretation.
Obi said respect for the rule of law is critical to attracting investment and restoring confidence in Nigeria’s institutions.
“We need the law to work because that is what will attract investment for us. We need people to be sure that when they go to court, the judgement will be an interpretation of the law,” he said.
Obi cited his personal experience in Anambra, recalling how he successfully challenged electoral and tenure disputes as a sitting governor through the courts without influencing judges or offering bribes.
He said his victories at various levels of the judiciary, including the supreme court, reinforced his belief that the rule of law remains the foundation of a functional democracy.
“When the rule of law prevails, the country will work,” he added.
He further called for reforms to strengthen Nigeria’s democracy, insisting that the government must truly reflect the will of the people.
“It must be a government of the people, by the people and for the people. The people must be the ones determining what is happening,” he said.
Obi also accused the current administration of suppressing opposition parties, alleging that opposition groups are being harassed and denied access to public venues for political activities.
He claimed that the NDC encountered difficulties securing a venue for its convention after being turned down at several locations.
“Opposition parties are being treated like criminals, harassed and intimidated,” he alleged.
Obi claimed that some political parties had their activities disrupted by security agencies, while organisers of his party’s convention were instructed not to publicise the event until the day it was held.
He, however, promised that his administration would protect political pluralism and create an environment where opposition parties can operate freely.
“Our government will not suppress the opposition. We will encourage them. We will make sure they exist because that is what democracy should be,” Obi said.
