The presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress, Peter Obi, has pledged to prioritise poverty reduction, combat corruption and ensure the responsible use of public funds if elected president, while insisting that President Bola Tinubu should leave office after the 2027 general election.
Obi stated this on Monday at the inauguration of the NDC Presidential Campaign Council in Kaduna State, where he faulted the Tinubu administration’s handling of the economy and challenged the government to explain how its borrowing had benefited Nigerians.
The former Anambra State governor also promised that he would not misuse public resources if entrusted with the country’s leadership, adding that his administration would enforce accountability and take action against officials found diverting government funds.
Speaking to supporters at the event, Obi said the NDC campaign would prioritise practical solutions to Nigeria’s challenges rather than engage in a blame game over the country’s current situation.
“We are not going to blame anybody; we are not being hired to blame anyone. We are being hired to solve problems.
“We will stop people from stealing public money. Public money must be used for public good.
“We will fight corruption head-on. Under my administration, I will not steal Nigerian money and I won’t allow anybody to steal what belongs to the good people of Nigeria. President Tinubu must go home.”
Obi maintained that the country’s leadership should concentrate on easing the hardships faced by ordinary citizens, particularly the effects of widespread poverty and the increasing cost of living.
He also demanded greater transparency over the Federal Government’s borrowing, questioning the tangible benefits Nigerians had received from the funds secured under Tinubu’s administration.
The NDC presidential candidate further challenged the president to provide an account of his government’s performance under the 2023, 2024 and 2025 budgets, arguing that Nigerians deserved a clear explanation of how public resources had been utilised.
According to Obi, the administration should focus on demonstrating the results of its spending and borrowing rather than directing criticism towards opposition figures.
He also took issue with Tinubu’s remarks concerning poverty in the country, alleging that the number of Nigerians living in poverty had risen significantly during the president’s tenure.
“He has made history as the president that has produced the highest number of poor people according to the recent report.
“Just last Saturday, Tinubu was launching his second-term campaign. Rather than explain to Nigerians what he used all the billions he borrowed for, or what he achieved with the 2023, 2024 and 2025 budgets, he blamed other people.”
Obi’s remarks highlight economic welfare and government accountability as issues expected to feature in political discussions ahead of the 2027 general election.
Rising food costs, unemployment, declining household purchasing power, public debt and access to essential services remain among the concerns shaping public debate over the Federal Government’s economic policies.
However, the poverty statistics referenced by Obi require examination in the context of the report’s methodology, the period covered and the population assessed to establish the basis for his claim.
His statements reflect his criticism of the administration’s economic performance. A comprehensive assessment of the government’s record would also require consideration of its published economic data, policy measures and implementation outcomes.
Obi also highlighted his partnership with his running mate, Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, presenting their candidacy as an effort to address Nigeria’s challenges through policy-driven leadership rather than sustained political confrontation.
He said their proposed administration would concentrate on developing solutions to the country’s problems, placing effective governance, transparency and the welfare of citizens at the centre of their political agenda.
