The presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, says Nigeria cannot make meaningful progress while citizens continue to live in fear, calling for urgent action to tackle insecurity and protect lives and property.

Obi spoke during a courtesy visit to the Plateau State Traditional Council in Jos, ahead of a town hall meeting in the state, as part of his consultations with Nigerians ahead of the 2027 general elections.

He said the decision to engage communities before the commencement of campaigns was informed by the need to listen to Nigerians, understand their challenges and develop solutions that address their needs.

“When you want to serve, you must listen to the people. When we come for campaigns, we only talk and we don’t listen to the people. We have decided that leadership must be demand-driven,” Obi said.

The former Anambra State governor recalled his visits to Bokkos, Barkin Ladi, Mangu and other troubled communities in Plateau State, describing the security situation as unacceptable.

He said his presidential ambition was driven by the desire to address the plight of Nigerians, particularly victims of insecurity, displaced persons and families who have lost loved ones to violence.

“If I have one person in an IDP camp, it means we are all in an IDP camp. I am competing because I want to know how we talk to that mother whose child was killed, that husband who lost a wife and that woman who lost a husband. Who is going to listen to their cries?” he asked.

Obi also expressed concern over Nigeria’s rising poverty, infant mortality and the growing number of out-of-school children, arguing that the country has the resources to address these challenges through investments in education, healthcare and agriculture.

He stressed that Nigerians should be able to go about their daily activities without fear, saying children must return safely from school, farmers from their farms and traders from the markets.

Responding, the Gbong Gwom Jos, Da Jacob Gyang Buba, urged politicians and Nigerians to ensure that political activities do not worsen the country’s security challenges.

He called for peaceful political engagement, mutual respect and peaceful coexistence, emphasising the need for collective efforts to restore peace and stability.

“We want to appeal to all politicians and all Nigerians that we should not allow politics to worsen our situation. We already have insecurity, and we must be determined to live with each other in peace and with respect for one another,” the traditional ruler said.

The Gbong Gwom Jos also prayed for divine guidance in the emergence of a leader who would govern the country effectively and restore its greatness. He urged politicians to promote peace throughout the electioneering period. (Channels TV)