By Michael Ovat-Awka
Presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Mr Peter Obi, has pledged to revive the Calabar Port and restore Cross River State to its former position as one of Nigeria’s leading tourism destinations.
Obi made the pledge on Wednesday, November 4, 2026, during an interactive town hall meeting in Calabar, Cross River State, which he attended alongside Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, other party leaders, candidates and supporters.
The meeting formed part of the NDC’s nationwide town hall engagements aimed at listening to Nigerians, understanding their concerns and presenting the party’s vision for the country.
Before the meeting, Obi and Kwankwaso led the party’s delegation on a courtesy visit to the Obong of Calabar, His Eminence, Edidem Ekpo Okon Abasi Otu V, at his palace. The traditional ruler welcomed the delegation, shared words of wisdom and offered prayers and blessings.
At the town hall meeting, participants raised questions and expressed concerns about the future of the Calabar Port, the decline of tourism in Cross River State, insecurity, the economy and the general welfare of Nigerians.
Responding, Obi assured the people that an NDC-led government would prioritise national unity and security while making aggressive investments in critical sectors, particularly education and healthcare. He also reiterated his commitment to lifting Nigerians out of poverty.
On maritime development, Obi promised that the Calabar Port would become fully operational under his administration, alongside other ports across the Niger Delta, stressing the importance of unlocking their economic potential.
Addressing the decline in tourism, he recalled the days when Calabar, Obudu and other destinations in Cross River State were among the preferred holiday destinations for Nigerians and foreign visitors. He attributed the decline in the state’s tourism fortunes to poor governance and inadequate attention.
As a demonstration of his personal commitment to reviving the sector, Obi pledged that, if elected President, he would spend his holidays at Cross River State’s tourism destinations.
He also urged NDC members and supporters to prepare to defend their votes during the 2027 general elections, particularly in view of what he described as continued hostility from the government.
Obi expressed gratitude to the party’s candidates, members, supporters, organisers and the people of Cross River State for their participation and warm hospitality.
The Calabar engagement followed Obi’s return from a working visit to the United States on Tuesday, November 3. He disclosed that he subsequently met with NDC candidates in Lagos before travelling to Cross River State the following morning.
