The presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, has called for urgent measures to address insecurity, insisting that Nigeria cannot achieve meaningful development while citizens remain afraid for their lives.
Titansloaded reports that Obi made the remarks during a visit to the Plateau State Traditional Council in Jos, where he met traditional rulers ahead of a town hall meeting as part of his consultations ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The former Anambra State governor explained that his decision to engage communities before the official campaign period was aimed at hearing directly from Nigerians, understanding their difficulties and developing policies that reflect their needs.
Obi said effective leadership requires listening to the people rather than using political campaigns only to make promises. He maintained that governance should respond to the concerns and demands of citizens.
He also recalled visiting troubled communities, including Bokkos, Barkin Ladi and Mangu, describing the security situation in Plateau State as deeply troubling.
According to him, his ambition to become president is driven by the need to address the suffering of Nigerians, especially people displaced by violence and families who have lost loved ones to insecurity.
Obi questioned how the country could move forward without addressing the pain of parents who had lost children and families whose loved ones had been killed or displaced.
He further raised concerns about poverty, infant mortality and the increasing number of children who are out of school.
He argued that Nigeria has sufficient resources to tackle these problems through stronger investment in education, healthcare and agriculture.
The NDC candidate stressed that citizens should be able to attend school, work on farms and engage in business without worrying about their safety.
Responding, the Gbong Gwom Jos, Da Jacob Gyang Buba, appealed to politicians and citizens not to allow political activities to deepen the country’s security challenges.
The traditional ruler called for peaceful campaigns, mutual respect and cooperation among Nigerians, stressing that the country needs unity to overcome its current difficulties.
He also prayed for the emergence of a capable leader who would guide Nigeria towards peace, stability and renewed progress, while urging political actors to maintain peace throughout the election period.
