The presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, and his running mate, Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, have taken their campaign of direct engagement with Nigerians to Kaduna, promising to prioritise national unity, poverty reduction, healthcare, education and security if elected.
Obi and Kwankwaso made the commitments on Saturday at a town hall meeting organised by their party in Kaduna, where they interacted with citizens, listened to their concerns and responded to questions on some of the major challenges confronting the country.
The engagement followed a similar town hall held in Port Harcourt earlier in September as part of the NDC ticket’s continuing effort to interface directly with citizens and discuss its proposed approach to national governance.
Obi, who spoke after visiting the Sheikh Muhammad Sambo Memorial Islamic Institute in Rigachikun, said the interaction provided an opportunity for the candidates and party members to hear directly from Nigerians on issues affecting their lives and communities.
He said the ticket was committed to building a united Nigeria, lifting citizens out of poverty and investing heavily in healthcare and education, while making the fight against insecurity a major priority.
According to him, restoring security would enable displaced Nigerians to return safely to their homes, communities and farms, while creating conditions for economic activities and productive livelihoods to thrive.
The former Anambra State governor also highlighted the need to tackle corruption and inefficiencies associated with the fuel subsidy regime, reduce the burden of fuel costs on Nigerians and build an economy capable of enabling citizens to live decent and dignified lives.
Obi further called on political opponents and other aspirants to engage citizens directly, arguing that people-centred governance required leaders and those seeking public office to leave their comfort zones and listen to the people.
He thanked the NDC leadership and organisers of the Kaduna town hall, while commending residents of the state for participating in the engagement.
Kwankwaso, who also addressed the gathering, urged Nigerians to remain actively involved in the electoral process, while stressing the importance of security, education and economic opportunity in addressing the country’s challenges.
The Kaduna engagement is part of the NDC presidential ticket’s broader grassroots outreach ahead of the 2027 general elections, with the candidates using the town-hall format to present their positions and receive questions and contributions from citizens.
Obi concluded by reiterating his campaign message: “A New Nigeria is Possible, and Nigeria will be OK.”