Former Governor of Anambra State Peter Obi, on Tuesday embarked on an extensive grassroots engagement tour across several Area Councils of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), reaffirming his commitment to people centred, inclusive governance.
The engagement began at about 6:30 a.m. from the Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC), as Obi set out to interact directly with residents and community stakeholders across the councils.
His first stop was Abaji Area Council, where he campaigned alongside Dr. Mohammed Ibrahim, the African Democratic Congress (ADC) chairmanship candidate for the area. Obi undertook a one hour walk through the community, engaging residents and listening to their concerns.
Speaking during the walk, Obi said governance must begin with listening to the people.
“If you want to lead the people, you must first walk with them, listen to them, and understand their daily struggles. Leadership cannot be practiced from a distance,” he said.
From Abaji, Obi proceeded to Kwali Area Council to support Hon. Jeremiah Badoji, the ADC chairmanship candidate. He again spent over an hour walking through the communities, engaging residents and party supporters.
According to Obi, endurance and presence are essential qualities of effective leadership.
“Leadership is not about titles or offices; it is about service. It is forged through presence, endurance, and a genuine connection with the people,” he stated.
The tour continued to Zuba in Gwagwalada Area Council, where Obi rallied support for Pharmacist Iko Danjuma, the ADC chairmanship candidate for the area. He later visited Deidei Market in AMAC, engaging traders and residents while canvassing support for Dr. Moses Paul, the ADC chairmanship candidate for Abuja Municipal Area Council.
Addressing traders at Deidei Market, Obi emphasized inclusive development and economic empowerment.
“Our markets, our traders, and our small businesses are the backbone of the economy. Development must reach them directly, not just appear in policy documents,” he said.
He added that governance must be built around fairness, accountability, and opportunity for all.
“A society can only progress when leadership is honest, transparent, and committed to lifting everyone, not just a privileged few,” Obi noted.
Obi concluded the grassroots engagements by reiterating his optimism about Nigeria’s future.
“A New Nigeria is not just a dream. It is achievable when leaders choose service over self and the people take ownership of the process,” he said.