“I Will Transform the North — It Is Nigeria’s Greatest Asset” — Obi

Peter Obi, the Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, says he will prioritise the development of northern Nigeria, describing the region as central to the country’s economic future.

Speaking on *Prime Time*, an Arise Television programme on Monday, Obi said the north holds significant untapped potential, particularly in agriculture. He noted that with proper investment, the sector could generate more revenue than oil.

He pointed to the region’s vast uncultivated land as a key driver of future growth and called for immediate action to harness it.

Obi also said he is open to working with key northern political figures, including former Kaduna State governor Nasir el-Rufai and former Kano State governor Rabiu Kwankwaso. Despite this, he expressed confidence in his own development plans for the region.

On insecurity, Obi linked the crisis in northern Nigeria to poverty, weak governance, and inadequate investment in education and healthcare. He said addressing these root causes is essential for lasting stability.

According to him, the current security challenges are the result of years of leadership failure, including the neglect of young people and declining institutional values.

He called for a more decisive national response, stressing that the scale of insecurity requires stronger action beyond dialogue.

Obi added that his vision is informed by his visits to other countries, where he studied development models. He said these experiences reinforce his belief that northern Nigeria can play a leading role in the country’s economic transformation.