RismadarVoice Reporters, April 14, 2026
Former Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has expressed optimism about securing strong political backing from northern Nigeria ahead of the 2027 general elections, outlining a vision focused on economic transformation and national development.
Speaking on his plans for the country, Obi emphasized that his candidacy should not be judged on ethnic or religious considerations, but on competence and commitment to rebuilding Nigeria.
“I’ve said it before—do not vote for me because I’m from the South East or because I’m a Christian. Vote for me because I am committed to turning around Nigeria,” he stated.
Highlighting the strategic importance of the North, Obi said his administration would prioritize the region as a starting point for national recovery, noting that many of Nigeria’s challenges are deeply rooted there.
“I will start from the North because I know where the problem is. Nobody can do what I intend to do in the North. We will change the North,” he said.
The former Anambra State governor also stressed the need to shift Nigeria’s economic model from consumption to production, arguing that sustainable wealth creation lies in harnessing local resources and human capital.
“We must move from sharing wealth to creating wealth. When you start creating wealth, people will see it. We need to build a society where talent and hard work meet opportunity – where a child of nobody can become somebody without knowing anybody,” Obi added.
Drawing comparisons with developed economies, he noted that merit-based systems, such as those in the United Kingdom, have enabled individuals to succeed regardless of their background.
Obi further identified agriculture as a key driver of economic growth, particularly in northern Nigeria, suggesting that the sector could generate more revenue than oil if properly developed.
“Our greatest asset as a country is in the North. We can make more money from agriculture than we make from oil,” he said.
His remarks come as political stakeholders begin early positioning ahead of the 2027 elections, with increased attention on regional support bases and economic policy direction.
