By A SPECIAL CORRESPONDENT

Since October 2026, Mr Peter Obi, presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), accompanied on several occasions by his running mate, Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, has embarked on nationwide town hall engagements to interact directly with Nigerians, listen to their concerns and present his vision for the country.

1. Lokoja, Kogi State – 27 October 2026

In Lokoja, Obi visited the Maigari of Lokoja, explored historical landmarks and interacted with traders at Kpata Market. At the town hall, discussions centred on corruption, agriculture, tourism and the abandoned Ajaokuta Steel Company. He received an enthusiastic welcome, demonstrating ecstatic interest in his message.

2. Akwanga, Nasarawa State – 28 October 2026

Obi and Kwankwaso engaged residents on insecurity, corruption, agriculture, education and healthcare. Participants particularly highlighted the difficulties women face accessing their farms and the neglect of persons with disabilities. Obi emphasised national unity, security and investment in human capital, promising functional primary healthcare centres in every political ward.

3. Abakaliki, Ebonyi State – 29 October 2026

Obi interacted with residents and traders at Nkalagu and Ezillo before proceeding to Abakaliki, where he joined supporters on a road walk. At the town hall, concerns included kidnapping, corruption, unemployment, education and healthcare. He reaffirmed his commitment to inclusive governance and the welfare of vulnerable Nigerians.>

4. Enugu, Enugu State – 29 October 2026

The Enugu meeting, attended by Kwankwaso, attracted an enthusiastic crowd. The candidates also met with the Christian Association of Nigeria, reaffirming their commitment to religious harmony and national unity. Discussions centred on insecurity, corruption, poverty, education and healthcare. The public reception demonstrated complete excitement about the Obi-Kwankwaso partnership.

5. Yenagoa, Bayelsa State – 30 October 2026

In Yenagoa, Obi participated in the homecoming activities of Senator Henry Seriake Dickson and discussed the economic prospects of the Niger Delta. He emphasised maritime development, the revival of existing ports and the establishment of a new port in Bayelsa. He also participated in a traditional boat regatta at Toru-Orua, highlighting the region’s economic and tourism potential.

6. Owerri, Imo State – 31 October 2026

In Owerri, Obi visited markets and interacted with traders before addressing a town hall meeting. He highlighted the hardship facing ordinary Nigerians, criticised unproductive borrowing and emphasised security, accountability, education, healthcare and poverty reduction. His direct engagement with traders demonstrated his willingness to understand the people’s economic realities firsthand.

7. Calabar, Cross River State – 4 November 2026

Obi and Kwankwaso received an enthusiastic welcome in Calabar and paid a courtesy visit to the Obong of Calabar. At the town hall, discussions focused on reviving Calabar Port, tourism, security and economic development. Obi promised great attention to the state’s maritime and tourism potential.

8. Jos, Plateau State – 10 November 2026

In Jos, Obi visited the Gbong Gwom Jos before engaging residents on insecurity, poverty, education, healthcare and national unity. He stressed that development was impossible without security and promised to pay special attention to the protection of lives and property. The engagement was particularly significant given Plateau State’s experience of communal violence and insecurity.

9. Makurdi, Gboko and Yelwata, Benue State – 11 November 2026

Obi and Kwankwaso paid a courtesy visit to the Tor Tiv in Gboko before proceeding to Yelwata, where Obi honoured victims of the June 2025 massacre with prayers and a wreath-laying ceremony. He also commiserated with bereaved families. At the Makurdi town hall, discussions centred on insecurity, agriculture, unemployment, education and healthcare. The visit attracted enthusiastic crowds and demonstrated an important humanitarian dimension of his leadership aspiration: identifying with people in their moments of greatest suffering.

What These Engagements Reveal

Three things stand out from this nationwide tour. First, Obi’s physical energy and stamina are remarkable. At 65, moving across different states, visiting markets, meeting traditional rulers and addressing town halls is no small undertaking.

Second, his approach demonstrates an understanding of participatory leadership. He does not merely address crowds; he listens to their concerns and responds to their questions. The enthusiastic receptions across the states also suggest that his candidacy continues to generate considerable public interest.

Third, his accessibility and empathy are noteworthy. His visit to Yelwata, in particular, demonstrates that leadership must go beyond political promises to include compassion and solidarity with suffering citizens.

Is Peter Obi suitable for the presidency? The office requires intellectual capacity, administrative experience, integrity, sound judgement, courage, compassion and physical stamina. Obi brings experience as a former governor, business and financial management knowledge, and a commitment to accountability and investment in human capital. His present engagements further demonstrate energy, accessibility and a willingness to listen.

He is certainly not sitting back waiting for votes; he is taking his message to the people and making his case for national leadership.

There is another dimension to Obi’s growing appeal: he is increasingly speaking in tune with what the Germans call “Zeitgeist” – the spirit of the time. Nigerians are becoming increasingly impatient with electoral manipulation and are responding enthusiastically to his firm position that their votes must count. There is a growing determination among citizens not to allow anyone to steal their mandate in 2027. The emerging slogan, “Rig and Face the Consequences”, captures this mood.