Obi Vows To End IDP Camp Crisis Within 18 Months

The presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, has pledged to address insecurity and the displacement of Nigerians, promising that no citizen would remain in an Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camp 18 months after he assumes office if elected president.

Obi made the promise on Wednesday in Jos, the Plateau State capital, while speaking about his plans ahead of the 2027 general election. He identified national unity and the protection of lives and property as major priorities of his proposed administration.

The former Anambra State governor expressed concern over the growing division among Nigerians based on ethnic and religious differences. He said the country needed to overcome these divisions and work towards a common national interest.

He explained that bringing Nigerians together would be one of the first responsibilities of his government, alongside restoring peace and security in troubled communities.

Obi also addressed the repeated attacks and killings in Plateau and Benue states, assuring residents that his administration would take steps to stop the violence and prevent families from losing their loved ones to insecurity.

He maintained that his government would not consider its efforts successful if Nigerians continued to live in displacement camps long after it took over power. According to him, the situation of displaced persons must be treated as an urgent national concern.

The NDC candidate further said he understood the difficulties faced by residents of Plateau State, particularly those in communities affected by repeated attacks. He mentioned his visits to Bokkos, Mangu and Barkin Ladi, saying the experiences had given him an understanding of the suffering of people in the affected areas.

Obi also expressed confidence in his proposed partnership with former Kano State governor, Rabiu Kwankwaso, who is his running mate in the 2027 presidential race.

He said a joint administration led by both politicians would work to tackle kidnapping and other security threats across the country. He specifically promised to end attacks on schoolchildren and prevent kidnappers from abducting students and escaping into forest areas.

The presidential hopeful said his government would make the safety of Nigerians a priority and ensure that communities could go about their daily activities without fear of attacks, abductions or killings.