We’ll Make Nigeria So Good, You Won’t Want To Travel Abroad” — Peter Obi

The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has expressed confidence that Nigeria would undergo significant transformation if he is elected president in the 2027 general elections.

According to Ireporter Online, Obi made the remarks on Thursday during a town hall meeting in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, where he discussed Nigeria’s economic challenges, international reputation and the need for comprehensive reforms.

The former Anambra State governor linked the difficulty some Nigerians face when applying for visas to economic conditions in the country, arguing that wealthier nations are often reluctant to open their doors to people from poorer countries.

Obi said his administration, if elected, would focus on transforming Nigeria’s economy and improving living conditions to the extent that Nigerians would have less reason to seek opportunities abroad.

He further suggested that a stronger Nigerian economy and improved national development could enhance the country’s international standing and make visa applications easier for Nigerians.

Obi said the objective of his proposed reforms would be to build a country where citizens could find better opportunities, live comfortably and contribute meaningfully to national development without feeling compelled to leave in search of a better life.

Meanwhile, Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has dismissed claims about Obi’s popularity, arguing that public excitement and chants at political or public events do not necessarily translate into electoral support.

Wike made the comments on Wednesday during a media chat in Port Harcourt, where he addressed political developments ahead of the 2027 elections.

According to Wike, Obi enjoys considerable attention in some circles, particularly when supporters chant his name at public gatherings, but he argued that such displays should not be interpreted as evidence of widespread electoral popularity.

The former Rivers State governor maintained that actual electoral support would ultimately be determined by voters at the polling booths rather than the size of crowds or the level of public excitement generated at events.