Peter Obi Promises to Return Youths to Farming, SMEs if Elected President

Presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, has pledged to encourage Nigerian youths to return to farming and small-scale businesses if elected president in 2027.

Obi made the promise on Saturday in Kaduna at a political gathering organised by the NDC, where he and his running mate, Rabiu Kwankwaso, spoke to supporters about their plans for Nigeria, particularly on job creation.

The former Anambra State governor said his administration would promote an inclusive government anchored on unity and investment, adding that borrowing would be focused on productive ventures rather than consumption.

“If you elect us to serve, we will only borrow money for investment,” Obi said.

“We’re no longer going to borrow money for consumption. We want to move Nigeria from consumption to production. By that, we will create jobs.”

Obi compared Nigeria’s economic situation with that of Indonesia, noting that although Nigeria has a population of about 230 million compared with Indonesia’s 280 million, the Southeast Asian country is performing better in some areas because more of its young people are employed.

He said his administration would create opportunities for young Nigerians by supporting agriculture and small businesses.

“We will help the youths to find something to do. We will make sure they go back to farm.

“We will make sure they go back to small businesses. We will support them and tell them the bad effects of drugs,” he said.

Obi also expressed concern over drug abuse in Nigeria, arguing that the country needs stronger laws to tackle drug trafficking and protect young people.

He said that if elected president, his administration would impose life imprisonment on people involved in drug trafficking.

“Nigeria does not have adequate laws for those who are importing drugs,” Obi said.

“If I become president, drugs will fetch life sentence. If you deal in drugs that will kill our youths and everything, you are going to face life imprisonment. We cannot take it.”

Obi further cited a drug prevalence rate of about 14 per cent in Nigeria, compared with a global figure of about five per cent, linking the situation partly to youth unemployment.

“It’s not acceptable. And it’s because of the unemployment of the youths,” he said.