Peter Obi 2027 bid gains fresh focus as the NDC candidate outlines plans for Northern Nigeria centred on agriculture, education and poverty reduction
Peter Obi, presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress, NDC, said Northern Nigerians celebrate his candidacy more than that of any other presidential contender ahead of the 2027 election, during an interview on Arise Television’s Morning Show on Thursday, September 10, 2026.
Also read: Obi: I Won’t Stay in Abuja While States Are Under Attack
Obi said his confidence was based on his understanding of the economic and social challenges facing communities across Northern Nigeria and his proposed approach to tackling poverty and economic instability.
“If there’s one presidential candidate who the North celebrates, it’s me,” Obi said.
The former Anambra State governor argued that his administration would pursue an approach centred on transparent governance and greater use of Nigeria’s productive assets to create economic opportunities.
He identified agriculture as a major area of investment, particularly given the sector’s potential to create jobs, strengthen food production and improve livelihoods across Northern communities.
“I know the problems that are happening in the North. I will deal with the issue of poverty the way it has not been dealt with before and in a non-corrupt way,” Obi said.
The NDC candidate said his proposed agricultural policy would include investment and targeted subsidies designed to increase productivity and make farming more economically viable.
“Another asset I will look into is agriculture. We’ll invest in it. We’ll give the subsidy in it,” he said.
Obi also linked agricultural development with education, particularly for children and young people affected by poverty and limited access to formal schooling.
He said his administration would seek to return almajiri children to education while providing support to help them develop sustainable livelihoods.
“We will ensure that we take all the almajiris back to education and support them in different areas,” he said.
The comments come as political parties and presidential candidates intensify preparations for the 2027 general election, with Northern Nigeria expected to remain a crucial electoral battleground.
The region’s large population and substantial number of registered voters make its support particularly important to candidates seeking a nationwide mandate.
Poverty, insecurity, unemployment and access to education remain major issues in political discussions about Northern Nigeria. Agriculture is also central to the region’s economy, with many communities dependent on farming and related activities.
Obi’s proposed emphasis on agriculture therefore places economic production at the centre of his pitch to Northern voters.
His comments also reflect his broader campaign argument that government resources should be directed towards productive investment rather than excessive administrative spending.
The claim that he is the only candidate celebrated in the North is, however, Obi’s own political assessment rather than an independently established measure of voter sentiment.
With the 2027 contest still developing, rival candidates are expected to make their own appeals to Northern voters as parties build regional alliances and campaign structures.
Also read: Obi: I Won’t Stay in Abuja While States Are Under Attack
For Obi, the message is that a combination of accountable governance, agricultural investment and expanded education could provide a stronger response to the economic difficulties confronting millions of Nigerians in the region.
