2027: I’ll Never Spend Holidays Abroad if Elected, Says Obi

Presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, has promised to spend his holidays in Nigeria if elected president in 2027.

Obi said he would use such periods to visit states facing security challenges and gain firsthand knowledge of the conditions affecting residents.

He spoke on Saturday at a town hall meeting in Kaduna, where he outlined his approach to improving the country’s security architecture.

The former Anambra State governor said he would not travel abroad for holidays while Nigerians faced insecurity at home.

“And let me assure you, in four years, I will never take holidays outside this country,” Obi said.

He said his holiday visits could take him to states such as Zamfara, Borno and Kano, as well as Oyo and Ondo.

“If I take a whole day, it will be in Zamfara, Borno, Kano. It will be in Oyo, in Ondo. That is what it should be,” he said.

Obi also criticised the level of fear surrounding road travel in the country, particularly concerns over kidnapping.

He said Nigerians should move freely across the country without having to worry about being abducted.

“When I tell people I’m coming to Kaduna this morning, everybody’s telling you, are you sure? Are you not sure? How?” he said.

Obi recalled that he used to travel by road from Lagos to Kaduna and expressed confidence that his administration could restore such freedom of movement.

“I used to drive from Lagos to Kaduna everywhere. So we assure you it is going to change,” he added.

The NDC candidate said improving security would remain central to his plans for the country if elected.

He said Nigerians should have confidence that government could protect their lives and allow them to travel, work and conduct their businesses without fear.

Obi also promised policies that would expand opportunities for children, regardless of their family background or social connections.

He said access to education should not depend on privilege or knowing influential people.

“We want policies where every child will go to school, a nation where a child of nobody can be somebody without knowing anybody,” Obi said.

The Kaduna meeting formed part of Obi’s engagement with Nigerians ahead of the 2027 general election.