MON OCT 19 2026-theGBJournal| The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) presidential candidate Peter Obi has described the 2027 general election as a “race for national survival”, blaming corruption and leadership failures for holding back the country’s development.
Mr Obi, the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) presidential candidate, made the remarks on Sunday, during an impromptu interaction with Nigerians in Manchester, United Kingdom, where he listened to concerns about the country’s future.
The meeting comes as political activity gathers pace ahead of the 2027 elections, with Mr Obi calling on Nigerians at home and in the diaspora to take collective responsibility for building what he described as a New Nigeria.
In a statement after the meeting, he said he was encouraged by the passion of Nigerians living abroad and their desire to see the country improve.
“Today, I honoured an impromptu invitation to interact with fellow Nigerians in Manchester, United Kingdom. I had the pleasure of sharing fraternal moments with some of our compatriots in the diaspora.
“I spent time listening to their concerns about our nation and was encouraged by their passion and desire to build a New Nigeria for all,” he said.
Mr Obi said corruption and years of poor leadership had undermined Nigeria’s progress, arguing that the country had the resources and potential to rank among the world’s most developed nations.
“Massive corruption and accumulated leadership failures remain the bane of our national progress and development,” he said.
“I explained to them that Nigeria remains one of the most blessed countries in the world and would have taken its place among the most developed countries if not for corruption and the leadership failure bedevilling it.”
The former Anambra State governor has consistently made governance, accountability and the management of public resources central to his political message.
His latest comments place leadership competence at the centre of the coming election, which is expected to test the opposition’s ability to challenge the governing party.
“No nation, as I have always maintained, can rise above the character, competence, capacity and commitment of those entrusted with its leadership,” Mr Obi said.
The NDC candidate urged Nigerians to approach the 2027 elections as a decisive moment for the country, rather than as another routine political contest.
“That is why we must approach the coming general elections as a race for national survival rather than another routine exercise,” he said.
“It is our collective battle. The nation is ours to save for the birth of a New Nigeria that is POssible and OK.”
He also called for greater public participation in the effort to change the country’s political and economic direction, insisting that building a new Nigeria could not be left to political leaders alone.
“The task of building a New Nigeria remains our collective responsibility, and there is no better time to roll up our sleeves and get to work than now,” he said.
“Our nation is standing on the brink of a precipice, and we must not shrink from the arduous task ahead of us.”
Mr Obi’s Manchester engagement adds to his outreach to Nigerians in the diaspora as political parties and potential candidates position themselves ahead of the 2027 general elections.
His message was one of urgency: that reversing Nigeria’s development challenges would require a change in leadership standards and a collective commitment to national renewal.
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