Former Anambra State governor Peter Obi has said Nigerians must work together to rebuild the country ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Mr Obi spoke on Saturday in Abuja at the first national convention of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC).
According to him, Nigerians must choose between “despair and national decline” or working together to rebuild the country on the basis of unity, equity, justice and productivity.
“Where we are now, national unity is no longer optional; it is a national necessity,” Obi said.
“We must rise above ethnicity, religion, region, and political divisions to recover the soul of our nation.”
The former Labour Party presidential candidate said no region or group could succeed alone and urged Nigerians to see diversity as a source of strength.
Obi also said the country must focus more on agriculture and manufacturing to improve economic growth and create jobs.
“We must move decisively from a nation of consumption to a nation of production,” he stated.
He added that young people should be empowered and women included in governance and development efforts.
Peter Obi said Nigeria was facing challenges including poverty, unemployment, inflation and insecurity, adding that democratic institutions were also under pressure.
“What we are witnessing is not politics; it is a systematic assault on democracy and the will of the people,” he said.
Also speaking at the convention, former Kano State governor Rabiu Kwankwaso said zoning the presidency to the South would help national healing.
“This represents a true opportunity for real national healing,” Kwankwaso said.
The convention also featured the confirmation and inauguration of party officers, while the party zoned its presidential ticket to the South.
