Peter Obi, the presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), has pledged to end the country’s displacement crisis within 18 months of taking office, stating that his government would be considered a failure if any citizen remains in an Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camp beyond that period.
Speaking on Wednesday in Jos, Plateau State, the former Anambra State governor outlined national unity and security as the core pillars of his 2027 campaign. He noted that bridging Nigeria’s deep ethnic and religious divides is essential for overcoming national challenges and halting persistent violence in states like Plateau and Benue.
“Our commitment is to unite Nigeria because today there is no unity, we are divided along tribal lines, religious lines, and that should not be, we are Nigerians. Number two is to secure Nigeria. It’s our priority to ensure that Nigerians live in safety. In a place like Plateau and Benue where people are being killed daily, I assure you that no mother will cry again for her children. I assure you that no woman will feel the pain of losing a husband, neither will the father feel the pain of losing a wife,” he said.
He added: “I have said it, and I will repeat it that after one year to 18 months in office, if any Nigerian remains in an IDP camp, we have failed.”
Citing his previous visits to troubled areas in Plateau—including Bokkos, Mangu, and Barkin Ladi—Obi maintained that he understands the hardships faced by affected communities. He further expressed confidence that a joint ticket with former Kano State Governor Rabiu Kwankwaso as his running mate would effectively curb widespread insecurity and put a stop to the abduction of schoolchildren.