2027: PETER OBI VOWS TO ENTER BUSH IF NIGERIAN CHILDREN ARE KIDNAPPED, PROMISES EMERGENCY ACTION ON INSECURITY

Peter Obi, presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), has vowed to take direct responsibility for efforts to rescue kidnapped Nigerians if elected president in 2027, declaring that he would not remain in Abuja while children are held captive by criminals.

Obi made the remarks during a town hall meeting in Enugu State on Thursday, October 29, 2026, where he spoke about insecurity, unemployment, hunger, education and the need for greater accountability from political leaders.

The former Anambra State governor said his administration would prioritise national security and take decisive action against kidnapping and other criminal activities threatening communities across the country.

“If there is a general bush, I will be in that bush with them,” Obi said, emphasising his position that the president should remain actively involved in efforts to secure the country and protect its citizens.

He added that he would not accept a situation in which children were abducted while the country’s leadership remained distant from the rescue efforts. He said his administration would work towards uniting the country and addressing insecurity through decisive action.

Obi’s comments come amid continued concerns over kidnapping for ransom and attacks on schools and communities in different parts of Nigeria. Such incidents have generated public demands for stronger security measures, improved intelligence gathering and more effective coordination among federal and state authorities.

One particularly prominent case involved the abduction of schoolchildren and teachers in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State in May 2026. Gunmen attacked several schools, abducting pupils and teachers, while a teacher was reportedly killed during one of the attacks.

The victims spent several weeks in captivity before security forces secured their release in July. The incident intensified public debate about the government’s response to mass abductions and the time required to rescue victims.

Obi has previously criticised the Federal Government’s handling of the Oyo abduction, arguing that stronger presidential involvement and quicker action could have improved the response. He also questioned whether President Bola Tinubu had personally contacted Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde during the crisis.

At the Enugu meeting, Obi broadened his criticism to include what he described as Nigeria’s worsening economic and security challenges. He said hunger, unemployment and insecurity required leaders who were prepared to engage directly with citizens and take responsibility for the results of their policies.

“Today, our country is suffering. Today, people are hungry. Our children do not have employment. Today, Nigeria is not secured,” he said.

Obi also challenged Tinubu to travel across the country and explain his administration’s performance since taking office in May 2023. He argued that presidential candidates and serving leaders should engage voters directly rather than rely on statements issued from Abuja.

The NDC candidate questioned the use of public funds and government borrowing, calling on the president to explain how borrowed money and national revenue had been spent. He maintained that Nigerians deserved greater transparency concerning public expenditure and the outcomes of government programmes.

“Our President must come and account for three years he’s been in office. He cannot stay in Abuja, and want us to vote for him,” Obi said, arguing that leadership required energy, travel and direct engagement with the public.

Beyond security, Obi pledged to declare a state of emergency on corruption if elected. He said public resources should be used for the benefit of citizens and promised a more transparent approach to government spending and borrowing.

He also promised emergency measures in the education sector, arguing that children should have access to schooling and that the government must address the conditions preventing many young Nigerians from receiving quality education.

Obi further pledged to strengthen primary healthcare by ensuring that every ward in Nigeria had access to basic medical services. He presented healthcare, education, security and accountability as interconnected priorities for a government focused on improving citizens’ welfare.

On electricity, the former Anambra governor reiterated his ambition to generate, transmit and distribute at least 10,000 megawatts of power to support economic growth and industrial development. He said Nigeria needed to move away from an economy driven primarily by consumption towards one that produces more goods and services.

The presidential candidate also urged Nigerians to assess political candidates based on their qualifications, competence and proposed policies rather than their ethnic backgrounds. He said voters should consider what each candidate could contribute to the country’s development.

Obi challenged other presidential hopefuls to travel across Nigeria, explain their plans and answer questions from citizens ahead of the 2027 general elections. He argued that direct engagement would give voters a better opportunity to assess competing proposals.

The meeting also featured comments from other political figures associated with the NDC. Professor Pat Utomi encouraged Nigerians to participate in the electoral process, while Senator Victor Umeh expressed support for the political partnership between Obi and Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso.

Chinyeaka Ohaa, the NDC governorship candidate in Enugu State, said the party’s campaign was intended to promote a country that works for all Nigerians rather than focus solely on producing a president from a particular region.

Obi’s promise to enter the bush if children are kidnapped is a political commitment to a more direct response to insecurity. However, the practical implementation of any rescue operation would require coordination with security agencies, intelligence services and trained personnel, with decisions guided by operational assessments and the safety of hostages.

As the 2027 election campaign gathers momentum, security is expected to remain a major issue for voters, alongside economic hardship, education, electricity and public accountability. Candidates’ proposals will face scrutiny over how they intend to translate campaign promises into workable policies and measurable outcomes.

Street News Reporters will continue to monitor Obi’s campaign statements, the NDC’s policy proposals and responses from other political leaders as preparations for the 2027 general elections continue.