2027: Obi Promises to End IDP Camp Crisis Within 18 Months, Says Government Would Have Failed Otherwise

Peter Obi, presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), has vowed to tackle the country’s growing displacement crisis, saying he would regard his administration as unsuccessful if Nigerians were still living in Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camps 18 months after taking office.

Obi made the declaration on Wednesday in Jos, Plateau State, while outlining his plans for national security and unity ahead of the 2027 general election.

He criticised the growing ethnic and religious divisions in the country, arguing that Nigerians must overcome such differences to build a united nation.

According to the former Anambra State governor, his administration would focus on restoring national cohesion and protecting citizens from insecurity, especially in states such as Plateau and Benue, where communities have suffered repeated attacks, killings and displacement.

“Our commitment is to unite Nigeria because today there is no unity, we are divided along tribal lines, religious lines, and that should not be, we are Nigerians,” he said.

On security, Obi stressed that protecting lives would be a major priority of his government.

“Number two is to secure Nigeria. It’s our priority to ensure that Nigerians live in safety. In a place like Plateau and Benue where people are being killed daily, I assure you that no mother will cry again for her children. I assure you that no woman will feel the pain of losing a husband, neither will the father feel the pain of losing a wife,” he added.

Obi also made a firm commitment to ensure that displaced Nigerians return to their communities rather than remain indefinitely in IDP camps.

“I have said it, and I will repeat it that after one year to 18 months in office, if any Nigerian remains in an IDP camp, we have failed,” he said.

To demonstrate his familiarity with the security situation in Plateau State, Obi referred to previous visits to Bokkos, Mangu and Barkin Ladi, where residents have experienced attacks and displacement.

He maintained that his visits had exposed him to the suffering of affected communities.

“No other presidential candidate has been to Bokkos, Mangu, and Barkin Ladi, so I know the pain that people are going through,” Obi stated.

Obi further expressed confidence that partnering with former Kano State Governor Rabiu Kwankwaso, who would serve as vice-president under the proposed arrangement, would help end kidnapping and insecurity.

“Let me assure you that with Kwankwaso and I as the president and vice president of this country, nobody will kidnap school children and go into the bush,” he declared.

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