Peter Obi, presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), has pledged to prioritise security, fight corruption and increase investment in education and healthcare if elected president in 2027.

Obi made the commitment on Wednesday during a town hall meeting in Akwanga, Nasarawa State, where residents raised concerns about insecurity, rising living costs, deteriorating schools, corruption and the Federal Government’s borrowing.

The meeting was part of Obi’s ongoing nationwide town hall engagements aimed at hearing directly from Nigerians about their challenges and expectations for governance.

The former Anambra State governor was joined at the event by the NDC vice-presidential candidate, Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, following his visit to Kogi State the previous day.

According to Obi, the concerns raised by participants reflected the urgent need for a government that would address insecurity, strengthen public services and create opportunities for Nigerians to escape poverty.

He said his administration’s priorities would include uniting the country, decisively confronting corruption and tackling insecurity affecting communities across the federation.

Women’s access to their farms amid insecurity featured among the issues raised by participants, alongside the welfare of persons with disabilities and other vulnerable groups.

Residents also questioned the government’s handling of fuel subsidy, corruption and borrowing, while expressing concern about the declining condition of public schools and other challenges affecting their livelihoods.

In response, Obi reaffirmed his commitment to substantial investment in education and healthcare, including a plan to establish at least one fully functional primary healthcare centre in every political ward across Nigeria.

He said the proposed investment would form part of broader efforts to improve access to essential services, reduce the cost of living and expand economic opportunities.

The NDC candidate also emphasised the need to address poverty by strengthening public institutions and ensuring that government policies deliver tangible benefits to citizens.

Before the town hall meeting, Obi granted an interview to a local radio station in Akwanga, where he discussed insecurity, the economy and the need for urgent action to lift millions of Nigerians out of poverty.

He thanked residents, party members and organisers for their participation and reception, describing the town hall engagements as an opportunity to listen to citizens and understand their expectations.

The Nasarawa visit forms part of the NDC’s wider outreach as Obi and Kwankwaso seek to present their agenda to communities across the country ahead of the 2027 general election.

The party’s campaign message is anchored on the slogan, “A New Nigeria is POssible,” with Obi concluding his message with the declaration that “Nigeria will be OK.”