By CHIJIOKE ASOGWA
The presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Mr Peter Obi, has pledged to tackle insecurity, revive Plateau State’s tourism potential and create an enabling environment for businesses to thrive if elected president in 2027.
Obi also assured residents of Plateau State that his administration would prioritise national unity, youth employment, healthcare, education and the welfare of vulnerable groups, including persons living with disabilities.
Afrilensnews reports that Obi made the commitments during a town hall meeting in Jos, the Plateau State capital, on Tuesday, November 10, 2026, as part of his nationwide consultations with Nigerians ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The former Anambra State governor said restoring security across the country would be a major priority of his administration, stressing that citizens displaced by violence must be able to return safely to their ancestral communities.
He specifically assured the people of Plateau State that his administration would decisively confront insecurity and create the conditions necessary for internally displaced persons (IDPs) living in camps to return to their homes.
Obi, who attended the engagement alongside his political allies, Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso and Senator Victor Umeh, said national development would require unity, purposeful leadership and collective commitment to addressing the country’s challenges.
During his visit to Jos, the NDC presidential candidate paid a courtesy call on the Gbong Gwom Jos, His Royal Majesty, Da (Dr.) Jacob Gyang Buba, CFR, where he briefed the traditional ruler on the purpose of the town hall meeting.
The monarch, according to Obi, received the delegation warmly, offered prayers and valuable counsel, while emphasising the importance of peace, mutual respect and harmonious coexistence, particularly as the 2027 elections approach.
Obi also visited Rhythm 93.7 FM Jos, where he participated in an interview programme and discussed the challenges confronting Nigeria as well as the policy direction he and Kwankwaso intend to pursue if elected into office.
As part of his engagement with residents, he visited the section of Terminus Market destroyed by fire several months ago, interacting with traders, business owners, sellers and buyers to understand their challenges and efforts to rebuild their businesses.
He assured the traders that his administration would work towards reducing the economic hardship confronting Nigerians, which he attributed to the policies of the current administration.
At the town hall meeting, participants raised concerns about insecurity, the credibility of elections, youth unemployment and difficulties faced by small businesses in accessing financing.
A participant living with a disability also sought clarification on the proposed administration’s plans for vulnerable citizens and persons with disabilities.
Responding, Obi reaffirmed his commitment to inclusion, social protection and the welfare of persons living with disabilities, maintaining that the true measure of a nation’s compassion lies in how it treats its most vulnerable citizens.
He further reiterated his commitment, alongside Kwankwaso, to substantial investments in critical sectors, particularly healthcare and education, as well as policies aimed at lifting Nigerians out of poverty.
On tourism, the former Anambra governor recalled the period when Jos and other parts of Plateau State ranked among Nigeria’s leading tourist destinations, attracting visitors from within and outside the country.
He expressed determination to restore the state’s tourism fortunes, noting that improved security, national unity and an inclusive development agenda would be essential to unlocking its economic potential.
Obi commended the Gbong Gwom Jos for his hospitality, prayers and wise counsel, while appreciating NDC members in Plateau State for organising the town hall meeting and residents for their participation and warm reception.
He concluded with his campaign message:
“A New Nigeria is POssible, and Nigeria will be OK!”
