The presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Mr Peter Obi, has attributed the high level of insecurity in the country to widespread poverty.
He vowed to fight poverty to reduce criminal activities across the country if given the mandate in the 2027 presidential election
The NDC presidential candidate disclosed this during a town hall meeting with stakeholders and supporters in Lokoja on Tuesday
He stated that citizens are hungry and insecure, driving some individuals into kidnapping and banditry as a desperate way out
He further stressed that the situation has become increasingly worrisome because public officers in positions of trust deliberately engage in graft and corrupt practices that divert public funds into personal interests
“An NDC-led government will fight poverty to reduce criminality If you kidnap a person into the bush, we will follow you into the bush. We will not remain in our offices in Abuja issuing directives, but will enter the bush with you and settle matters with a heavy hand.
“You cannot run away when there is trouble I will stay and address it. An NDC government will bring down the cost of living so that the child of a nobody can become somebody without needing to know anybody,” he said.
Obi highlighted that Kogi State is a tourist’s delight due to its historic position in both the pre-colonial and colonial eras
He stressed that the NDC would turn around the historical relics in the state to generate foreign exchange, create employment, and boost local income
He added that the natural endowments of Kogi and Plateau states are significant enough to attract leaders from within and outside the country to spend their holidays locally rather than traveling abroad
“If I am elected President of this country, I will not travel abroad for holidays What people go outside the country to enjoy is right here. It only needs to be upgraded to international standards,” he said.
Obi promised to visit every state to canvass for votes, emphasizing, “If you have the competence and energy to serve, come out and campaign—do not hide under any excuse”
The event attracted party stakeholders, loyalists, and supporters from across the three senatorial districts, including party candidates contesting in the general election