Full Speech: Peter Obi commences 2027 campaign

Peter Obi has officially commenced his campaign for the 2027 presidential election, framing the moment as a defining one for Nigeria's democracy. Addressing supporters and the press on August 19, 2026, Obi declared his conviction that "Nigeria can work, and Nigeria must work," acknowledging the nation's "grave uncertainty" and "existential" challenges.

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There is no doubt that this is a defining moment for our democracy. This moment gives Nigerians the opportunity to assess the records, ideas, and plans of those seeking their mandate to lead their country at a time of grave uncertainty in our rapidly changing world.

Obi painted a stark picture of Nigeria's current reality, citing IMF data that over 140 million Nigerians live in poverty. He also highlighted humanitarian agency estimates of 35 million people needing food assistance and 3.6 million internally displaced persons, largely due to conflict. The candidate pointed to the struggles of millions of young people entering the job market without productive opportunities, compounded by weak infrastructure, unreliable power, and the high cost of doing business.

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I enter this contest with one firm conviction: Nigeria can work, and Nigeria must work.

Despite these challenges, Obi expressed confidence in Nigeria's potential, citing its people, resources, market, and talent. He stressed the need to translate these strengths into security, productivity, and shared prosperity. Drawing on his background as a private sector leader and former Governor of Anambra State, Obi promised responsible governance, clear priorities, and measurable outcomes.

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According to the IMF, 63%, or over 140 million Nigerians, live at or below the national poverty line, while humanitarian agencies estimate that 35 million people will need food assistance during the 2026 lean season.

He specifically mentioned his administration's focus on education, healthcare, infrastructure, fiscal discipline, and institutional capacity in Anambra. While not claiming perfection, he presented this record as a basis for voters to draw conclusions. Obi also acknowledged his running mate, Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, whose experience as Kano State Governor also emphasized education and human capital development, suggesting a shared vision for investing in Nigeria's people as its most important long-term resource.

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What we must do now is turn these strengths into security, productivity, and shared prosperity.