Presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, has pledged that he will not spend his holidays outside Nigeria if elected President in the 2027 general election.
Obi made the declaration in his Independence Day address delivered in Abuja on Thursday, October 1, 2026, saying he would use his four-year tenure to visit different parts of the country, interact with Nigerians and gain a better understanding of their challenges.
The former Anambra State governor said his approach would be to lead by example by spending his holidays within Nigeria rather than travelling abroad for leisure.
“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,” Obi said.
He listed Zamfara, Borno, Kwara, Ebonyi, Edo and Ekiti among the states he would visit during such periods, while adding that he would travel to other Nigerian states as well.
“My holidays will be spent in Zamfara State; Borno State; Kwara State; Ebonyi State; Edo State; Ekiti State and other Nigerian States,” he said.
Obi said the decision would allow the President to remain closely connected to the realities faced by Nigerians across different parts of the country, including communities dealing with insecurity, poverty and infrastructure challenges.
The pledge is consistent with comments Obi made in September during the inauguration of the NDC secretariat in Asaba, Delta State. At the event, he said he would spend his holidays in places such as Agbor and Warri rather than travelling abroad.
He has also argued that presidential holidays could be used to promote domestic tourism and demonstrate confidence in Nigeria’s local economy, hospitality industry and tourist destinations.
Beyond the holiday pledge, Obi has outlined a broader governance agenda focused on security, healthcare, infrastructure, economic productivity and accountability. He has said his administration would seek to ensure that Nigerians can live, work, farm and conduct businesses without fear.
The NDC candidate has also pledged to strengthen Nigeria’s healthcare system and reduce the dependence of political office holders on foreign medical treatment, saying overseas treatment should only be considered where a necessary referral exists.
Obi’s latest comments come as political activities intensify ahead of the 2027 presidential election, with candidates and political parties presenting their proposed approaches to governance and national development.
His promise to spend holidays within Nigeria forms part of his wider message of domestic engagement, accountability and leadership by example.
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