Obi Vows for Transparency, not to Spend Vacation Abroad if Elected in 2027

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.
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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.

He said, “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.”

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

“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.

The former Anambra State governor pledged to tackle insecurity, saying farmers would be able to return to their farms while children would return to school and businesses would operate without fear.

He said, “We will confront insecurity decisively so that our farmers can return to their farms, our children can return to school, businesses can operate freely, and families can live without fear.

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

Obi, who said Independence anniversaries should provide opportunities for national reflection, criticised the APC-led administration, arguing that the country had continued to face serious challenges despite the promises made in 2023.

He said Nigeria was grappling with widespread poverty, a large population of out-of-school children and persistent insecurity caused by terrorism, banditry and kidnapping.

“Despite the enormous promises made by the APC-led government in 2023, our nation continues to face deepening challenges across virtually every critical sector of national life,” he said.

The NDC presidential candidate also recounted his recent visit to Sokoto State with his running mate, Rabiu Kwankwaso, where they held consultations on insecurity, poverty, unemployment, drug abuse and out-of-school children.

He said their visit to an Internally Displaced Persons camp in Ramin Kura, within Sokoto metropolis, exposed the hardship faced by thousands of displaced women and children.

“Instead, they live as displaced persons in their own country. What we saw in Ramin Kura is not an isolated story. It is a reflection of the suffering experienced, in different forms, across many parts of Nigeria.

“And yet, while ordinary Nigerians struggle with these realities, this present government often behaves as though these problems belong to another country.

“The political leaders have failed our country and, most importantly, we have failed our children. This must change,” Obi said.

The pledge comes one month after Obi criticised the practice of past and current presidents spending their holidays abroad, saying an elected president should remain in the country and use such periods to engage directly with citizens.

The former Anambra governor said he would mandate domestic vacations for the President if elected, arguing that the country’s leader should use the opportunity to visit areas facing serious security and developmental challenges.

“Nigeria’s President must spend his vacation in Nigeria. We cannot continue with this nonsense. Where do other countries’ own send their vacation?” Obi questioned.

Peter Obip

“The President should go to Zamfara, to Borno, to Anambra, to anywhere. As President of Nigeria, I will visit other countries, but I will not take my holidays there”.

When asked about the security implications of spending vacation time in states affected by insurgency and banditry, particularly Borno, Obi maintained that the President should not use security concerns as a reason to leave Nigeria during holidays.

He also drew a comparison with political leaders in other countries, arguing that the conduct of a Nigerian president should similarly reflect a strong connection with the country and its people.
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Navy Uncovers 85,000 Litres of Suspected Stolen Crude Oil in Rivers

The Nigerian Navy has uncovered approximately 85,000 litres of substance suspected to be stolen crude oil during a follow-up operation at the Allison area of Rivers State, further disrupting attempts to re-establish illegal oil bunkering activities following an earlier intervention in the area.
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The operation was conducted by FOB BONNY on 29 September 2026, following actionable information on the establishment of a new illegal bunkering site. The operation uncovered 16 concealed dugout pits, including 4 containing approximately 40,000 litres of suspected stolen crude oil and another 3 containing approximately 45,000 litres suspected to be awaiting processing. Troops also found hoses used to move crude oil.

The latest discovery comes barely a week after the deactivation of a major illegal refining camp in the same area on 22 September 2026. The successive interventions indicate that attempts to regenerate illicit oil-processing capacity are meeting continued naval pressure, limiting criminal operators’ ability to restore previously disrupted activities.

Oil

The recovered suspected stolen crude oil and associated items were handled in accordance with established procedures. The operation further reinforces the importance of a sustained, intelligence-led presence in denying criminal operators the infrastructure needed to store, process, and move stolen crude oil.

Signed

AA FOLORUNSHO

Captain (Nigerian Navy) Director Naval Information
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Navy Rescues 2 Kidnapped Victims, Recovers Stolen Outboard Engines in Akwa Ibom

The Nigerian Navy has rescued 2 kidnapped victims and recovered several stolen outboard engines during an operation against sea robbery and kidnapping in the Ibeno general area of Akwa Ibom State on 30 September 2026.
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The operation followed credible information on the activities of suspected sea robbers and kidnappers targeting fishermen and forcibly taking away fishing boats and outboard engines. In response, the Nigerian Navy Ship JUBILEE Maritime Quick Response Team, Ibeno, swiftly mobilised to the area to counter the threat.

During the operation, the naval team encountered 2 boats suspected to be operated by the criminals, prompting the occupants to flee into adjoining creeks. In the ensuing pursuit, the suspects abandoned one of the boats containing several stolen outboard engines and the 2 kidnapped victims, who were immediately rescued by the naval team and escorted to safety. The recovered outboard engines were secured for verification and further necessary action, while efforts are ongoing to locate and apprehend the fleeing suspects.

The successful operation underscores the Nigerian Navy’s sustained commitment to Search and Rescue (SAR), the protection of lives and the security of legitimate maritime activities across Nigeria’s waters. Through its network of ships, bases, surveillance systems, maritime quick response teams and other operational elements, the Nigerian Navy continues to maintain a presence across the maritime domain, enabling timely responses to distress situations and emerging security threats.

Navy

The operation also demonstrates the importance of credible intelligence and community support in enhancing maritime security. The Nigerian Navy therefore encourages coastal communities, fishermen and other maritime stakeholders to continue providing timely information that could assist in preventing criminal activities and responding rapidly to persons in distress.

The Nigerian Navy remains resolute in safeguarding Nigeria’s maritime domain and will continue to sustain proactive patrols, Search and Rescue operations, and intelligence-driven interventions aimed at protecting lives and property while denying criminal elements freedom of action in the nation’s waterways.
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