The presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, has vowed to end prolonged displacement in Nigeria, saying his administration would consider itself a failure if citizens were still living in Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camps after 18 months in office.
Obi made the pledge on Wednesday during an engagement in Jos, the Plateau State capital, where he outlined his plans to address insecurity and restore national unity ahead of the 2027 presidential election.
He identified the country’s growing divisions along ethnic and religious lines as a major concern, arguing that Nigerians must see themselves as one people to overcome the nation’s challenges.
The former Anambra State governor said his administration would make the protection of lives and property a priority, particularly in states such as Plateau and Benue, which have witnessed recurring attacks and killings.
“Our commitment is to unite Nigeria because today there is no unity, we are divided along tribal lines, religious lines, and that should not be, we are Nigerians.
“Number two is to secure Nigeria. It’s our priority to ensure that Nigerians live in safety. In a place like Plateau and Benue where people are being killed daily, I assure you that no mother will cry again for her children. I assure you that no woman will feel the pain of losing a husband, neither will the father feel the pain of losing a wife,” he said.
Obi further maintained that returning displaced persons to their communities would be a key measure of his government’s performance, setting an 18-month deadline for achieving the goal.
“I have said it, and I will repeat it that after one year to 18 months in office, if any Nigerian remains in an IDP camp, we have failed,” he declared.
To demonstrate his familiarity with the security situation in Plateau State, Obi mentioned his previous visits to Bokkos, Mangu and Barkin Ladi, where residents have been affected by violence.
“No other presidential candidate has been to Bokkos, Mangu, and Barkin Ladi, so I know the pain that people are going through,” he said.
He also expressed optimism that a proposed joint ticket with former Kano State Governor Rabiu Kwankwaso would bring an end to kidnappings and attacks on schoolchildren.
“Let me assure you that with Kwankwaso and I as the president and vice president of this country, nobody will kidnap school children and go into the bush,” Obi said.
