Obi Vows Not To Spend Vacation Abroad If Elected — Says Holidays Will Be In Zamfara, Borno, Ebonyi, Others

The presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress, Peter Obi, has vowed not to spend his holidays outside Nigeria if elected President in the 2027 general elections.

Obi made the pledge in his Independence Day address delivered in Abuja on Thursday, saying he would use his four-year tenure to travel across the country, interact with Nigerians and better understand their challenges.

“As I have always done, I will lead by example. In four years as President of this great nation, I will not spend my holidays outside Nigeria. My holidays will be spent in Zamfara State; Borno State; Kwara State; Ebonyi State; Edo State; Ekiti State and other Nigerian States.

“I want to continue to see Nigeria. I want to know Nigeria. I want to spend time with Nigerians, listen to them, understand their challenges and celebrate their resilience,” Obi said.

The former Anambra governor also promised that his administration would make governance measurable and accountable, with emphasis on welfare and productivity.

“As President of Nigeria, I will make governance measurable, accountable and centred on the welfare and productivity of our people. Within the first year, Nigerians will begin to see the tangible impact of purposeful and effective leadership,” he said.

He pledged to tackle insecurity decisively so farmers can return to farms, children to school, and businesses operate without fear.

“No Nigerian should be forced to live in an IDP camp because his or her government has failed to provide security,” Obi said.

Obi criticized the APC-led administration, saying despite promises made in 2023, Nigeria faces deepening challenges — widespread poverty, out-of-school children, terrorism, banditry and kidnapping.

He recounted his recent visit to Sokoto State with his running mate, Rabiu Kwankwaso, where they visited an IDP camp in Ramin Kura, within Sokoto metropolis, and saw hardship faced by displaced women and children.

The pledge comes one month after Obi criticized past and current presidents for spending holidays abroad, saying a Nigerian president should remain in the country during vacation to engage directly with citizens.

“Nigeria’s President must spend his vacation in Nigeria. We cannot continue with this nonsense,” Obi had said.