ENUGU, Nigeria (VOICE OF NAIJA)-Former Anambra State governor, Peter Obi, has declared that no presidential contender ahead of the 2027 elections can match his vision for transforming Northern Nigeria, describing the region as the country’s greatest economic asset.
Obi made the assertion on Monday while speaking on Arise TV, where he pitched his plans to northern voters and dismissed the notion that electoral success in the region depends on endorsements from a few political heavyweights.
He argued that the North, often perceived as a burden, is in fact an underutilised economic powerhouse capable of generating more revenue than oil if properly harnessed.
“Nobody can do what I intend to do in the North. We will change the North. Our greatest asset as a country is in the North. We can make more money from agriculture than we make from oil,” he said.
The former presidential candidate said his strategy for the region centres on agriculture, security and grassroots investment, stressing that real progress would come from directly tackling poverty, insecurity, and weak social infrastructure.
“If we want to secure the North, we must invest in agriculture, reduce poverty, and improve education and healthcare,” Obi said.
Speaking on political alliances, Obi acknowledged the influence of key northern figures such as Nasir El-Rufai and Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, but insisted that Nigeria’s future cannot be determined by a handful of individuals.
READ ALSO: North Has The Poorest States In Nigeria – Peter Obi
“I will work with them so they can support the process, but Nigeria is bigger than individuals,” he said.
Obi further argued that Nigeria’s core challenge is not the absence of resources but a failure of leadership, particularly the tendency to prioritise ethnic and religious divisions over national unity.
“We need leaders who will unite us as a country. Religion and tribe should not define our future,” he said.
He also stressed that meaningful development cannot occur without first addressing insecurity, especially in the North.
“You cannot achieve development without first ensuring security,” Obi added.
Drawing from his international exposure, Obi said Nigeria could replicate successful development models from other countries to drive growth and stability.
“I have visited several countries and seen what works. We can replicate those successes here,” he said.
On governance, he called on the ruling authorities to strengthen democratic institutions by allowing opposition voices to thrive, noting that a vibrant opposition is critical for accountability.
“The government should protect the opposition. In fact, they should make opposition stronger and make it work,” Obi said.