The presidential candidate of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, says his latest engagements across Kogi, Benue and Enugu states have reinforced his conviction that Nigerians are united by one overriding demand — a government that works for them.
Obi said the concerns raised by residents, traders, community leaders and party supporters during his visits were strikingly similar, despite the geographical differences among the three states.
He identified insecurity, unemployment, poverty, poor healthcare and dysfunctional schools as the major issues weighing on citizens, arguing that Nigerians are demanding solutions to everyday problems rather than political promises.
During his visit to Olamaboro Local Government Area of Kogi State, where he met stakeholders alongside the NDC’s Kogi East senatorial candidate, High Chief Peter Ameh, Obi said the welfare of citizens would remain at the centre of his political agenda.
He maintained that Nigerians deserve communities where people can live safely, young people can find meaningful work, children can receive quality education and families can access functioning healthcare without being pushed into poverty.
Obi extended the engagement to Otukpa in Ogbadibo Local Government Area of Benue State and Obollo Afor in Enugu State, where he interacted with traders and residents and listened to their concerns over the economic pressures confronting their livelihoods.
He assured the traders that an NDC government under his leadership would create an environment in which businesses could survive, expand and provide employment.
For Obi, the recurring complaints across the three states point to a broader national problem — a disconnect between government and the daily realities of ordinary Nigerians.
He said citizens were not asking for extraordinary privileges but basic necessities that should be guaranteed by a responsive government.
“These are not excessive demands. They represent the basic expectations citizens hold of a government dedicated to their welfare,” he said.
Obi also urged his supporters to remain active in the democratic process, stressing that voting alone would not be enough without protecting the ballot through the entire electoral process.
He called on supporters to turn out in large numbers and safeguard their votes from the polling unit until the final declaration of results.
The NDC presidential candidate later attended the 65th birthday celebration of Evangelist Sunday Oguche in Okpo, Olamaboro LGA, where he described the celebrant as a committed servant of God and community builder.
He also paid a courtesy visit to His Royal Majesty, Igwe Willy Ezugwu, Eze Ka Eze I of Ideke Land and Eze Ogbozalla III of Opi Kingdom, Nsukka, Enugu State, where he received royal prayers and blessings.
Obi said the encounters had strengthened his belief that Nigeria’s challenges can be overcome if government is deliberately organised around the welfare of its citizens.
“As we move forward on this journey, our message remains unequivocal: Nigeria can succeed, and government can be made to serve its people,” he said.
“A New Nigeria is POssible.”