Presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, and his running mate, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, have taken their campaign message to Rivers State, where they addressed supporters and residents during a town hall meeting in Port Harcourt.
The meeting provided an opportunity for the NDC presidential ticket to outline its vision for Nigeria while highlighting what Obi described as the country’s deteriorating economic, social and institutional conditions.
Obi used the occasion to challenge Nigerians at home and abroad to present any evidence of wrongdoing against him, saying Nigerians deserve leaders whose backgrounds can be subjected to public scrutiny.
“Every Nigerian deserves to know our background. Iโm challenging any Nigerian, both at home and abroad, or anyone around the world, if you have anything against me, say it out now,” Obi said during the town hall meeting.
The former Anambra State governor said transparency and accountability should be central to leadership, arguing that Nigerians should have sufficient information about those seeking to govern them.
His comments come amid heightened political activity ahead of the 2027 general elections, with political parties and candidates increasingly seeking to distinguish themselves on issues of integrity, economic management and public accountability.
Obi also addressed the difficulties many Nigerians face when seeking to travel abroad, particularly in obtaining visas.
He argued that improving Nigeria’s economy, institutions and governance would ultimately strengthen the country’s international reputation and reduce the pressure Nigerians face when seeking opportunities outside the country.
“No rich man will open their door for poor people, thatโs why many countries are denying Nigerian visas,” he said.
According to Obi, the objective of his proposed reforms would be to create an economy in which Nigerians would have greater opportunities at home, reducing the perceived necessity of travelling abroad in search of employment, education and better living conditions.
“By the time we are done reforming Nigeria, Nigerians wonโt like to be travelling outside like now. Even when they apply for a visa, they can easily get it,” he added.
He suggested that a stronger economy, improved living standards and better governance would enhance the country’s global standing and make Nigerians more confident about building their future at home.
The NDC presidential candidate also delivered a strong assessment of Nigeria’s infrastructure and public institutions, declaring that several key sectors had suffered serious decline.
Using the maritime and aviation sectors as examples, Obi contrasted Nigeria’s historical achievements with what he described as the country’s current lack of capacity.
“Everything has collapsed in Nigeria,” he said.
Obi recalled that Nigeria’s National Shipping Line had six vessels in 1959 and eight vessels by 1961, noting that its fleet subsequently expanded.
He contrasted that history with the present situation, arguing that Nigeria no longer operates a national shipping fleet comparable to what existed in the country’s earlier years.
The presidential candidate similarly cited the development of Emirates Airlines as an example of what he described as Nigeria’s failure to sustain and build upon its early advantages.
According to Obi, Emirates began operations in 1985 with two leased aircraft, while Nigeria had more than 20 aircraft at the time.
He claimed that Emirates has since expanded to more than 280 aircraft, while Nigeria’s national aviation capacity has declined significantly.
The comparison, he argued, illustrates the consequences of poor policy choices, weak institutions and the failure to maintain strategic national assets.
Obi also expressed concern about the condition of Nigeria’s healthcare system, particularly the ability of hospitals to adequately respond to serious medical emergencies.
He argued that inadequate infrastructure, insufficient equipment and other challenges within the health sector have weakened public confidence in hospitals.
“If today youโre critically ill in Nigeria and you go to the hospital, you might likely end up at the mortuary,” Obi said.
He linked this situation to the growing tendency among some Nigerians to seek spiritual intervention when faced with serious illnesses.
“Thatโs why many Nigerians like taking ill people to church instead of hospital,” he added.
Obi’s comments reflected his broader argument that Nigeria requires substantial investment in critical sectors, including healthcare, transportation, aviation, maritime infrastructure and human capital development.
The Port Harcourt town hall formed part of the NDC’s wider engagement with Nigerians as political parties prepare for the 2027 elections.
Obi and Kwankwaso used the event to reinforce their message of economic reform, institutional restructuring, transparency and improved public services.
For Obi, the central challenge facing Nigeria is not simply the availability of resources but the country’s ability to manage those resources effectively and transform them into tangible improvements in citizens’ lives.
He argued that Nigeria’s past achievements demonstrate that the country possesses the human and material capacity to compete with leading nations if its institutions are properly managed.
The NDC ticket’s message in Port Harcourt therefore centred on the need to reverse what Obi described as decades of decline and restore confidence in Nigeria’s economy and public institutions.
With the 2027 elections approaching, the town hall also offered the party an opportunity to engage directly with residents and present its candidates as alternatives to the existing political order.
Obi’s remarks are likely to fuel further debate over Nigeria’s economic trajectory, the state of its public institutions and the policies required to rebuild critical sectors.
As political campaigns intensify, issues such as healthcare, infrastructure, employment, international reputation, industrial development and institutional accountability are expected to remain central to the national conversation.
