Nigeria’s 2027 presidential race is gathering momentum, with leading opposition candidates unveiling ambitious plans targeting healthcare, education and youth employment.
Peter Obi, the presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), has pledged to establish a primary healthcare centre in each of Nigeria’s 8,809 electoral wards if elected president in 2027.
Speaking during a visit to the Wazobia Wura community in Abuja, Obi said strengthening grassroots healthcare would be one of his administration’s top priorities, arguing that quality healthcare should be accessible to every Nigerian regardless of location. He also urged eligible citizens to obtain their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs), saying meaningful change begins with participation in elections.
The proposal has generated mixed reactions. Supporters praised the plan as a bold investment in rural healthcare, while critics questioned its feasibility, noting that primary healthcare is constitutionally managed largely by state and local governments.
Others compared the promise with Obi’s record as governor of Anambra State, arguing that his administration focused more on renovating facilities and public-private partnerships than constructing large numbers of new health centres. Meanwhile, the Tinubu administration has highlighted ongoing federal efforts, saying more than 3,000 primary healthcare centres have already been revitalised nationwide.
At the same time, Omoyele Sowore, presidential candidate of the African Action Congress (AAC), unveiled sweeping education and youth policy proposals. Sowore pledged to abolish the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB), allowing universities to conduct their own admission processes under transparent regulations. He also proposed replacing the mandatory National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) with a voluntary two-year National Job Corps focused on employment, vocational training and entrepreneurship.
Sowore argued that the current systems have outlived their usefulness and should be replaced with institutions that better address youth unemployment and skills development. While supporters welcomed the proposals, critics warned that scrapping JAMB could create inconsistencies in university admissions and argued that NYSC still plays an important role in fostering national unity.
