Obi predicts credible 2027 elections, says Nigeria needs production-driven economy

Peter Obi says Nigeria will witness a free, fair and credible elections in 2027, adding that the country can overcome its current challenges through accountable leadership and a production-driven economy.

Obi spoke on Saturday at the national convention of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), where he described the country’s current crisis as the result of systemic looting rather than lack of resources.

The former Anambra governor said millions of Nigerians are facing worsening poverty, unemployment and insecurity despite the country’s vast potential.

“Every Nigerian is worried, no Nigerian know where the next meal will come from. Nigeria is not a poor country, Nigeria is looted into poverty and we will change it,” Obi said.

He also dismissed concerns that credible elections would be impossible in 2027, insisting that Nigerians would have the opportunity to freely choose their leaders.

“Those who think we will not have free and fair election in 2027, let them rethink now, because in 2027, we are going to have free and fair and credible election,” he said.

Obi said Nigeria must urgently shift from a consumption-based economy to a production-driven system capable of creating jobs and improving living standards.

He cited rising multidimensional poverty and youth unemployment as evidence that the country’s leadership priorities must change.

According to him, over 140 million Nigerians are living in multidimensional poverty, while more than 80 million young people are unemployed or underemployed.

The former presidential candidate also defended his decision to join the NDC, saying his political choices have always been guided by principle rather than personal interest.

Quoting former British Prime Minister Winston Churchill, Obi said: “Some men change their party for the sake of their principles; others their principles for the sake of their party”.

He said his defection to the NDC was informed by his desire to work with like-minded leaders committed to rebuilding Nigeria ahead of the 2027 general election.