OBI VOWS TO SPEND PRESIDENTIAL HOLIDAYS IN NIGERIA

Presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress, Peter Obi, has pledged not to spend his holidays outside Nigeria if elected president in the 2027 general elections.

Obi made the promise in his Independence Day address in Abuja, saying he would use his four-year tenure to travel across the country, meet Nigerians and gain a better understanding of their challenges.

He said his holidays would be spent visiting states such as Zamfara, Borno, Kwara, Ebonyi and Edo, among others, as part of his plan to remain connected with citizens.

Obi also promised to make governance more measurable and accountable, with emphasis on the welfare and productivity of Nigerians. He said Nigerians would begin to see tangible results of his administration within its first year.

The former Anambra State governor further pledged to tackle insecurity so that farmers could return to their farms, children could attend school, businesses could operate freely and families could live without fear.

He also criticised the APC-led administration, saying Nigeria continues to face challenges including poverty, insecurity, unemployment and a large number of out-of-school children despite promises made in 2023.

According to Obi, Nigeria’s major problem is not a lack of resources but the failure of successive governments to turn those resources into improved human development, productivity, security and shared prosperity.

He also recalled his recent visit to Sokoto State with his running mate, Rabiu Kwankwaso, where they consulted with residents on issues including insecurity, poverty, unemployment, drug abuse and out-of-school children.

Obi said their visit to an Internally Displaced Persons camp in Ramin Kura, Sokoto metropolis, highlighted the hardship faced by displaced women and children.

The presidential candidate had previously criticised Nigerian presidents for spending holidays abroad. He said that if elected, he would keep presidential vacations within Nigeria and use the periods to visit communities facing security and development challenges.

Obi maintained that even states affected by insurgency and banditry should be visited by the President, arguing that security concerns should not prevent the country’s leader from remaining connected to Nigerians.