Peter Obi flags off campaign, insists Nigeria Must Move From Consumption to Production

The Presidential Candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, has said Nigeria must urgently transition from a consumption-driven economy to one based on production, insisting that no nation can import its way to prosperity.

Obi stated this on Friday in Onitsha, Anambra State, while addressing journalists on the key messages and issues that would shape his campaign ahead of the 2027 presidential election.

According a statement signed by Peter Obi Media Relations Spokesman, Idris Zeke Jnr, the campaign would provide an opportunity for a national conversation on how to rebuild the country and improve the living standards of Nigerians.

Obi said although he and his running mate, Rabiu Kwankwaso, come from different backgrounds and have had different experiences, they share a common objective of investing in Nigerians and ensuring responsible management of public resources.

“Our experiences differ, but our conclusion is clear: Nigeria must invest in its people and manage its public resources responsibly,” he said.

He challenged Nigerians to assess the performance of political leaders by asking whether citizens are better off than they were four years ago and whether they can afford basic necessities such as food, education and healthcare.

He also urged voters to examine whether businesses can expand, create jobs and remain productive; whether young Nigerians can secure meaningful employment; and whether farmers can operate safely and transport their produce to markets.

Obi said citizens should demand direct answers from political leaders rather than relying on statements from their proxies or surrogates.

He described the 2027 election as an opportunity for Nigerians to critically assess the records, ideas and programmes of those seeking their mandate at a time of considerable national and global uncertainty.

“I enter this contest with one firm belief: Nigeria can work, and Nigeria must work,” he said, noting that the country faces numerous challenges, some of which he described as existential.

The former Anambra State governor cited poverty, food insecurity, displacement and unemployment among the major challenges confronting the country.

He said Nigeria’s large and growing population, which provides one of Africa’s biggest consumer markets and labour forces, should be transformed into an economic advantage rather than treated as a burden.

On his proposed shift from consumption to production, Obi said Nigeria must produce more of what it consumes, process more of what it produces and become more competitive in international markets.

“Nigeria cannot import its way to prosperity. We will produce more of what we consume, process more of what we produce, and compete more effectively in global markets,” he said.

He identified agriculture, manufacturing, technology, construction, energy, creative industries and services as critical sectors that could drive economic transformation, create jobs and increase national productivity.

Obi further said his administration would seek to combine experience in public finance management, the private sector and the civil service to develop Nigeria’s human capital, transform natural resources into value-added industries and make the domestic market a stronger engine of investment and enterprise.

On insecurity, he said the crisis had displaced millions of Nigerians and disrupted agriculture, education, trade and investment.

He therefore called for a comprehensive security strategy involving improved intelligence gathering, better coordination among security agencies, stronger policing and border management, as well as greater use of technology.

Obi also addressed healthcare, unemployment and the state of democracy, urging Nigerians to scrutinise the records and plans of all presidential candidates before making their choice.

He stressed that aspiring leaders must be willing to engage directly with Nigerians and respond to their concerns.

“Any presidential candidate who lacks the resolve to travel across the country, meet the people, and respond to their questions lacks the capacity to govern it,” he said.