The presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, has vowed to ensure the return of internally displaced persons (IDPs) to their communities within 18 months if elected president in 2027.
Obi said he would consider his administration a failure if any Nigerian remained in an IDP camp after one year to 18 months in office.
He made the pledge on Tuesday during a town hall meeting with supporters in Jos, Plateau State.
The former Anambra State governor identified national unity and security as his administration’s major priorities, lamenting that Nigerians were increasingly divided along ethnic and religious lines.
“Our number one commitment is to unite the Federal Republic of Nigeria because today we have no unity. We are divided along tribal and religious lines. That should not be. We are Nigerians,” he said.
On insecurity, Obi promised to end the killings and kidnappings affecting communities across the country, particularly in Plateau and Benue states.
He said no Nigerian should lose a family member to violence or be forced to abandon their home because of insecurity.
“I have said it before, and I will repeat it: if any Nigerian remains in an IDP camp after one year to 18 months of my administration, then we have failed,” he said.
Obi also vowed that his administration would pursue kidnappers and other criminal elements, insisting that those responsible for abducting schoolchildren would not be allowed to escape.
“Nobody will kidnap two children and disappear into the bush. If you kidnap children and go into the bush, you will not be alone there. We will come after you,” he said.
The NDC candidate recalled visiting violence-affected communities in Bokkos, Mangu and Barkin Ladi local government areas of Plateau State, saying the experiences strengthened his determination to contest the presidency.
He added that his administration would adopt a people-centred approach to governance by listening to citizens and addressing their needs.
Obi also urged Nigerians to protect their votes during the 2027 elections, asking voters to remain at polling units until their votes were counted, recorded and transmitted.
