KADUNA – Peter Obi, the 2027 presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), has declared his intention to break with tradition by governing Nigeria from Kaduna if he wins the next election, insisting that leadership effectiveness is about presence and results rather than staying confined to the Aso Villa.
Speaking to ADC stakeholders and supporters during a high-profile visit to the state on Sunday, March 22, 2026, the former Anambra State governor stated that the proximity of Kaduna to the nation’s capital makes it a viable operational hub for any sitting president.
“In fact, I can actually serve Nigeria from Kaduna without a single problem,” Obi told the crowd. “The journey from Abuja to Kaduna is less than two hours. A president can drive here for meetings, stay for several days to engage with the people and industry, and return. Physical location in the Villa should not be a barrier to governance.”
Obi’s remarks are seen as a bold move to bridge the gap with the northern electorate, positioning Kaduna as a central pillar of his proposed administration. He lamented the current state of the city—once a thriving industrial and agricultural powerhouse—blaming its decline on “years of leadership failure.”
He promised that under an ADC-led government, Kaduna would be restored to its status as a strategic hub for commerce and unity through “disciplined, competent, and people-oriented leadership.”
Addressing the current political climate, Obi also took a firm stand against the ongoing detention of former Kaduna Governor Nasir El-Rufai. Labeling the situation “political persecution,” Obi called on the federal government to respect the rule of law and warned against using state apparatus to intimidate political opponents.
The visit marks a major stop in Obi’s nationwide consultation tour as he continues to consolidate his new political alliance ahead of the 2027 polls.
