Presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, has promised that Nigerians will begin to feel the impact of effective leadership within one year if he is elected president in 2027.

Obi made the pledge in his Independence Day address delivered in Abuja on Thursday, October 2, as Nigeria marks its 66th Independence Anniversary.

According to the former Anambra State governor, his administration would make governance measurable, accountable and centred on the welfare and productivity of citizens.

“My message today is not one of despair. It is a message of hope, determination and responsibility. I dare to proclaim with full assurance that a new Nigeria is possible,” Obi said.

“As President of Nigeria, I will make governance measurable, accountable and centred on the welfare and productivity of our people. Within the first year, Nigerians will begin to see the tangible impact of purposeful and effective leadership.”

Obi said security would top his agenda. He pledged to confront insecurity decisively so that farmers can return to their farms, children can return to school, businesses can operate freely, and families can live without fear.

He also said no Nigerian should be forced to live in an Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camp because government failed to provide security, promising to facilitate the safe and dignified return of displaced persons to their communities.

“We will confront insecurity decisively so that our farmers can return to their farms, our children can return to school, businesses can operate freely, and families can live without fear,” he added.

On the economy, Obi said he would shift Nigeria from a consumption-driven economy to a productive economy focused on agriculture, manufacturing, human capital, job creation and expanded opportunities.

He also vowed that if elected, he would spend his presidential holidays inside Nigeria — in states like Zamfara, Borno, Kwara, Ebonyi and Ekiti — to better understand the challenges facing ordinary Nigerians.