Peter Obi, the presidential candidate for the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) in 2027, has committed to reviving the Calabar Port, stimulating the tourism industry in Cross River State, and spending his personal holidays there if he is elected president.
Obi pledged during a town hall meeting in Calabar, where he engaged party members, supporters and residents on his proposed plans for the state and the country.
The former Anambra State governor disclosed this in a statement via his official X handle on Thursday, November 5, 2026, following his visit to Cross River State.
Obi said he attended the meeting alongside his vice-presidential candidate, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, other NDC candidates and other party supporters as part of their nationwide town hall engagements.
Before the meeting, the delegation paid a courtesy visit to the Obong of Calabar, His Eminence, Edidem Ekpo Okon Abasi Otu V, who offered prayers and blessings for the visitors.
According to Obi, participants at the town hall raised questions about the Calabar Port, tourism, security, the economy and the general welfare of Nigerians.
He said he assured residents of the commitment of the NDC leadership to national unity, security and increased investment in critical sectors, particularly education and healthcare.
Obi also pledged to ensure that the Calabar Port becomes fully operational, alongside other ports across the Niger Delta, if elected president.
He said, “I also assured the teeming crowd of participants and supporters that, under our stewardship, the Calabar Port would become fully operational, alongside other ports across the Niger Delta.”
On tourism, the presidential candidate lamented the decline of Cross River State as a major destination for local and international visitors, recalling the popularity of Calabar and Obudu in previous years.
He attributed the decline to poor governance and inadequate attention to the sector, promising to restore the state’s tourism potential.
Obi further pledged to personally spend his holidays at tourism destinations in Cross River State if elected president.
“I committed to restoring Cross River State to its pride of place, starting with my personal commitment, when elected President, to spending my holidays at its tourism destinations,” he said.
The NDC candidate also reiterated his commitment to tackling poverty through investments in education, healthcare and other critical areas of development.
He urged party members and supporters to prepare to defend their votes during the 2027 general elections, alleging continued hostility from the government.
“I encouraged our members and supporters to be prepared to defend their votes on Election Day, especially in the face of continued hostility from the government,” Obi stated.
He thanked party members, candidates, supporters and residents who attended the meeting, while commending the organisers and people of Cross River State for their hospitality.
What You Should Know
Peter Obi and his running mate, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, held a town hall meeting in Calabar to share their plans for Nigeria’s future. Obi highlighted the decline of Cross River’s tourism and promised that as President, he would lead by example by vacationing at the state’s famous sites.
- Economic Impact: A fully functional Calabar Port would likely increase trade, lower shipping costs, and create numerous jobs for residents in the South-South region.
- Tourism Development: By focusing on destinations like Obudu, the plan aims to restore Cross River’s status as a top choice for international and local visitors, boosting the local economy.
- Security and Welfare: Obi also emphasized that his administration would prioritize education and healthcare as a strategy to lift Nigerians out of poverty and improve national security.
