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| Supporters gather around a convoy during Peter Obi’s visit to Jos, Plateau State, on 10 November 2026. Arise News, video thumbnail. |
Peter Obi, the Nigeria Democratic Congress presidential candidate, has pledged to restore security and expand economic opportunities, telling Plateau residents that people cannot earn a living or rebuild their communities while they remain exposed to violence.
During engagements in Jos on Tuesday, 10 November, Obi linked his economic proposals to the protection of farmers, businesses and families. His visit included a meeting with traditional rulers and a town hall, where residents discussed their concerns ahead of the 2027 general election.
In Arise News’ coverage of the visit, the former Anambra governor said consultations should allow citizens to explain their difficulties directly to those seeking office. He argued that political leaders needed to hear those accounts before deciding how to intervene.
Obi identified insecurity as an obstacle to work and investment, saying farmers had lost access to their land while businesses struggled to operate. He promised to create conditions in which residents could resume their livelihoods without fear.
He also placed the return of displaced families among his priorities, saying people forced from their communities should be able to go home safely. He argued that continued displacement reflected a failure to protect citizens.
At the town hall, Obi said ethnic and religious divisions had weakened national cooperation. He pledged to pursue unity alongside security, presenting both as necessary conditions for his proposed economic programme.
His economic proposals centred on expanding domestic production to support employment and reduce poverty. He said a safer environment would allow farming and other productive activities to recover.
Obi also promised better access to finance for small and medium-sized businesses. Drawing on his experience in financial institutions, he said entrepreneurs needed a greater share of available credit to develop their businesses and employ more people.
Education and healthcare featured in his proposals. He promised additional classrooms, more teachers and stronger primary healthcare services, while arguing that public investment should address the needs of poorer households and other vulnerable citizens.
During his earlier meeting with members of the Plateau State Traditional Council, Obi explained why he was holding discussions with communities before the main campaign period.
“You must listen to the people.”
He said election campaigns often gave politicians opportunities to speak without providing enough time to hear from residents. The consultations, he explained, were intended to reverse that pattern by allowing people to describe the problems they wanted a future administration to address.
Obi said “leadership must be demand driven” and maintained that his familiarity with Plateau’s difficulties did not remove the need to listen to those experiencing them.
He recalled previous visits to Bokkos, Barkin Ladi and Mangu, saying the experiences of communities affected by violence had informed his concern about the state. He spoke about families who had lost relatives and residents unable to pursue ordinary activities safely.
Responding on behalf of the traditional council, the Gbong Gwom Jos, Da Jacob Gyang Buba, urged politicians to prevent electoral competition from worsening existing tensions.
The traditional ruler welcomed the visit but appealed for political conduct that protected the welfare and security of residents. He extended his appeal beyond candidates and party members to Nigerians generally.
He cautioned that “we should not allow for politics to worsen our situation” and called for mutual respect among communities already contending with insecurity.
Buba urged Nigerians to “live with each other in peace with due respect to one another.” He also called for responsible political engagement as preparations for the elections continued.
The subsequent town hall at Crispan Hotel brought Obi together with residents, supporters and other stakeholders. Alongside his policy proposals, he urged voters to monitor the electoral process.
He asked citizens to remain attentive to the counting, recording and transmission of results after casting their ballots, arguing that voters had a role in ensuring that their choices were accurately reflected.
Party stakeholders at the meeting supported his emphasis on consultation. They said candidates needed to understand people’s priorities and daily experiences before proposing responses, and urged residents to support his presidential bid.
The delegation arrived through Yakubu Gowon Airport before proceeding to the traditional council engagement. Arise News footage showed supporters gathering around the convoy as it moved through Jos.
The NDC used the visit to present its candidate to residents and seek support in Plateau, while the discussions covered security, livelihoods, governance and citizens’ expectations of the next administration.