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…..As NDC Candidate Challenges Political Leaders To Tour Nigeria, Witness Hardship First-Hand
OPI NSUKKA, ENUGU — Presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, has issued a blunt challenge to Nigerians aspiring to lead the country in 2027, urging them to leave the comfort of Abuja, tour the communities they seek to govern and see first-hand how millions of citizens are struggling to survive.
Obi made the declaration on Saturday during an unscheduled visit to the palace of His Royal Majesty, Eze-Igwe Williams Ezugwu, Eze Ogbozarra III of Opi Ancient Kingdom and Igwe of Ibagwa Opi, in Nsukka Local Government Area of Enugu State.
The former Anambra State governor said no aspiring president could fully appreciate the country’s problems by remaining in Abuja and depending on official reports, government briefings and statistics.
“Anybody who wants to be President or hold a leadership position in Nigeria should travel round the country to see the real condition of the people,” Obi said.
“You cannot sit in Abuja and understand what Nigerians are going through in rural communities.”
His remarks came as he continued a nationwide engagement with communities, saying his recent visits to parts of Rivers, Kogi and Enugu states had enabled him to observe directly the condition of infrastructure and public services, particularly in security, education and healthcare.
Obi argued that the distance between political decision-makers and ordinary Nigerians had serious implications for governance, warning that policies designed without an understanding of realities at the grassroots could fail to solve the problems they were intended to address.
“Nigeria Is Not Poor”
The NDC candidate also rejected the argument that Nigeria’s economic crisis was primarily caused by a shortage of resources.
According to him, Nigeria has sufficient natural resources and human capital to build a prosperous economy, reduce poverty and improve the standard of living of its citizens.
He, however, blamed corruption, waste and poor management of public resources for denying Nigerians the full benefits of the country’s wealth.
Obi maintained that transparent, accountable and disciplined management of public funds remained central to reversing the country’s developmental challenges.
He said responsible governance should translate the nation’s resources into better healthcare, quality education, functional infrastructure, improved security and greater economic opportunities for citizens.
Monarch Backs Obi’s Accountability Message 
Receiving Obi, Eze-Igwe Ezugwu commended the presidential candidate for what he described as his respect for traditional institutions and his willingness to engage directly with communities outside the major political centres.
The monarch also praised Obi’s emphasis on financial accountability and fiscal discipline, describing the qualities as important attributes for anyone seeking to lead Nigeria effectively.
Eze-Igwe Ezugwu offered royal prayers and blessings for Obi’s nationwide engagements and expressed hope that the country would produce leaders capable of confronting its economic and developmental challenges with vision, integrity and commitment.
Traditional Leaders, Political Stakeholders Attend
The visit attracted members of the Opi traditional cabinet, community leaders, youth representatives and political stakeholders from across Enugu North Senatorial District.
Also present was Hon. Harrison Ogara, member representing Igbo-Eze South Constituency in the Enugu State House of Assembly.
Obi’s visit to Opi forms part of his broader grassroots engagements ahead of the 2027 presidential election, during which he has continued to emphasise direct interaction with citizens and assessment of conditions in communities across the country.
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