The presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, has pledged to make the protection of schoolchildren and the restoration of security major priorities if elected alongside his running mate, Rabiu Kwankwaso, in the 2027 general elections.
Titiansloaded reports that Obi gave the assurance on Tuesday while addressing supporters in Jos, Plateau State, where he outlined his plans to tackle insecurity, promote national unity and address the humanitarian crisis caused by violent attacks across the country.
The former Anambra State governor also promised that his administration would work towards returning displaced Nigerians to their communities, declaring that his government should be judged a failure if citizens were still living in Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camps after 18 months in office.
He identified ethnic and religious divisions as major challenges confronting Nigeria, insisting that his administration would prioritise bringing citizens together regardless of their backgrounds.
Obi also highlighted the security challenges in Plateau and Benumb states, where repeated attacks have claimed lives and forced residents from their homes.
He assured Nigerians that his government would take decisive steps to prevent further killings and protect families from losing their loved ones to violence.
According to him, mothers should no longer have to mourn children killed in attacks, while husbands and wives should not continue to suffer the loss of their spouses because of insecurity.
The NDC candidate further said his assessment of the security situation was informed by visits to communities affected by violence, including Bokkos, Mangu and Barkin Ladi in Plateau State.
He maintained that his understanding of the suffering in those areas strengthened his determination to address the crisis if given the opportunity to lead the country.
Obi specifically promised that a joint administration with Kwankwaso would take measures to prevent the abduction of schoolchildren, particularly those taken from their schools and held captive in forests.
He said protecting children and ensuring that Nigerians could live without fear would form part of the central responsibilities of his proposed government.
