The presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) for the 2027 general election, Peter Obi, has continued his nationwide outreach with a series of visits across Southern Nigeria, donating ₦15 million to support healthcare and education projects in Cross River State while reaffirming his commitment to improving social services.
During his visit to Ogoja and Yala Local Government Areas on Saturday, Obi donated ₦10 million to the Catholic Maternity Hospital in Ogoja to support the facility’s healthcare services. He also contributed ₦5 million toward the construction of a new Anglican school and hospital in Yala, describing investments in education and healthcare as critical to national development.
Speaking during the visits, Obi emphasized that quality education and accessible healthcare remain fundamental to building a productive society. He maintained that governments and well-meaning individuals should prioritize investments that directly improve the lives of ordinary citizens, particularly in underserved communities.
As part of the outreach, the former Anambra State governor stopped at a voter registration centre, where he encouraged eligible Nigerians to participate in the electoral process by obtaining their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs). He stressed that active citizen participation remains essential for strengthening democracy and ensuring accountable governance.
Obi also attended a church synod in Cross River State before proceeding to Delta State, where he joined a thanksgiving service in Warri alongside senior party officials, including David Chris Iyovwaye and other leaders of the NDC. The gathering attracted party supporters and community leaders who welcomed the presidential hopeful and reaffirmed their support for his 2027 bid.
Supporters praised Obi’s extensive tour across multiple states in a single day, describing it as evidence of his commitment to grassroots engagement. Many also commended his decision to channel financial support toward health and educational institutions rather than political activities, arguing that such interventions demonstrate his longstanding emphasis on human capital development.
However, the visits also attracted criticism from some political opponents, who described the church engagements as an example of what they termed the “politics of religion.” The critics argued that religious gatherings should not become platforms for political campaigns, especially as preparations for the 2027 general elections gather pace.
Obi’s supporters rejected the criticism, insisting that his visits were consistent with his longstanding practice of supporting educational and healthcare institutions regardless of religious affiliation. They noted that throughout his public career, he has made similar donations to schools, hospitals, and charitable organizations across different parts of the country.
The outreach comes as political activities continue to intensify ahead of the 2027 elections, with major political figures increasing consultations and engagements with communities nationwide. Analysts say such visits are likely to become more frequent as aspirants seek to consolidate support and present their policy priorities to voters.
Later on Sunday, Obi was scheduled to appear on Channels Television’s Sunday Politics, where he was expected to discuss Nigeria’s economic challenges, governance, security, and his vision for the country’s future ahead of the 2027 presidential election.
The latest tour reinforces Obi’s continued focus on education, healthcare, and civic participation as central themes of his political message. As the race toward 2027 gathers momentum, his nationwide engagements are expected to remain a key feature of his campaign strategy while attracting both support and criticism from different political interests.
