Peter Obi, the presidential candidate for the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) in the 2027 general election, has pledged to ensure that the Niger Delta region benefits directly from the oil wealth it generates for the country. Speaking in Asaba, Delta State, during the inauguration of the party’s campaign headquarters, Obi stated that the era of the oil-rich region contributing significantly to the national economy without receiving corresponding development must end.
“One thing that I can assure you is that the days you don’t see the impact of your wealth are gone. Niger Delta must see the impact of the wealth it is creating for the nation,” Obi said.
The NDC candidate highlighted the poor condition of infrastructure in the region, specifically citing the deplorable state of the East-West Road and other federal roads. He noted that residents cannot easily pass through many areas of the Niger Delta despite the region producing the wealth that the country shares monthly. Obi promised that this situation would change through better resource management and increased transparency, stating, “We will tell you where every penny is going to.”
Beyond infrastructure, Obi outlined plans to prioritize the development of Nigeria’s healthcare system. He committed to fixing the sector to make it functional and promised that political office holders would be required to seek medical treatment within Nigeria. “We will ensure that those of them who are in power must seek medical care here. Anybody that will go abroad will be for referral,” he said, adding that he would spend all his holidays in Nigeria if elected President.
Local NDC leaders expressed strong support for Obi’s candidacy. Chris Iyovwaye, the party’s gubernatorial candidate in Delta State, and Senator Ovie Omo-Agege, the Delta Central Senatorial candidate, affirmed that the people of the state were prepared to vote for Peter Obi in the forthcoming polls.
<small>Source: Vanguard News — read the original story there.</small>
