The Presidential Candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress, NDC, Peter Obi, has called for a new leadership for Nigeria, saying the country is facing serious challenges under the present administration.
Obi made the call in Abuja at the presentation of certificates of return to NDC candidates and the inauguration of the party’s National Campaign Council.
He said the administration of President Bola Tinubu lacked the competence, capacity, compassion and commitment required to address the country’s problems, insisting that Nigerians needed a president who would be available and responsive.
According to him, “Everything is collapsing. Nigerians are looking for new leadership, and I can assure you that we will provide it.”
Obi also warned against electoral malpractice ahead of the 2027 general elections, saying the NDC would demand a free, fair and credible election.
He urged supporters to go into the country and campaign for the party, while warning those who might harass NDC supporters or attempt to manipulate the election that the party would resist such actions.
The NDC Presidential Candidate said the party would focus on making Nigeria work and restoring the confidence of Nigerians in their country.
Earlier, the National Chairman of the NDC, Senator Moses Zuweghe, said the party had demonstrated its capacity by conducting its primaries, selecting candidates and preparing for the 2027 elections within a short period.
Zuweghe said the party would not make promises it could not fulfil, adding that its candidates must be accountable to Nigerians if elected.
He said the certificates of return presented to the candidates contained security codes, warning that anyone attempting to forge or falsely claim a certificate would be committing a criminal offence.
The NDC National Leader, Senator Henry Seriake Dickson, said the party was formed to strengthen Nigeria’s multi-party democracy and prevent the country from becoming a one-party state.
Dickson criticised the direction of the APC-led government, particularly on security, corruption and the economy, saying the NDC was offering Nigerians a new political alternative.
He urged party members and candidates to take the message of a “new Nigeria that is possible” to communities across the country, stressing that the party’s campaign would be based on ideas rather than violence.
The NDC Gubernatorial Candidate in Adamawa State, Aisha Benane, expressed appreciation to the party leadership for giving her the opportunity to contest on its platform, assuring that women would mobilise massively for the party.
Also speaking, former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Babachir Lawal, urged NDC supporters to actively monitor the voting, counting and collation processes during the 2027 elections, advising voters to prepare for a long election day by taking food and essential medication to polling units.
