Presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, has reiterated his determination to unite Nigeria, tackle insecurity and fight corruption if elected president in 2027.

Mr Obi made the pledge during a town hall meeting in Calabar on Wednesday.

He stressed that his administration would prioritise national unity, security, education, healthcare and the welfare of citizens.

He said Nigeria was currently divided, stressing that uniting the country would provide the strength needed to confront insecurity and other national challenges.

“Our commitment is to unite Nigeria. Nigeria today is not united. If we unite Nigeria today, we will have the strength to fight insecurity,” he said.

The presidential candidate said his administration would not tolerate the prevailing security challenges, particularly kidnapping and attacks on schoolchildren.

“Security agencies under my watch would pursue kidnappers into their hideouts to ensure the safe rescue of abducted schoolchildren.

“Anybody that kidnaps school children and goes into the bush, we will be in that bush with him, wherever it is. We are not scared of him,” Mr Obi said.

On corruption, he promised to confront the menace decisively, insisting that public funds must be deployed for the benefit and welfare of Nigerians.

He said his administration would pursue the fight against corruption with determination to discourage the diversion of public resources for personal gain.

“We will fight corruption head-on. We want people to stop stealing public money. Public money must be used for public good and for the welfare of the people,” he said.

Mr Obi also pledged increased investment in education and healthcare, describing both sectors as critical areas of national development.

He said his political partnership represented a new approach to governance, anchored on shared responsibility and a commitment to transforming the country.

“We represent a new Nigeria that is possible. We represent a governance that people have not seen in Nigeria before,” he said.

The former Anambra governor said the engagement was organised to provide residents with the opportunity to ask questions and express their concerns without restrictions.

He urged participants to freely make comments and seek clarification, saying the purpose of the meeting was to listen to the people.

“The style is to listen to you. You are free to ask any question. No restriction. Make any comment. That is why we are here,” he said.

On his way to the venue of the town hall meeting, the convoy of the NDC presidential candidate was attacked by hoodlums.

In a swift reaction, a 27-year-old man suspected to be one of the assailants was arrested by the police. 

(NAN)