UK-Based Quantity Surveyor Victor Femi Ekunyan Announces Presidential Ambition Under PDP
Victor Femi Ekunyan, a quantity surveyor based in the United Kingdom, has officially declared his intention to contest the 2027 presidential election on the platform of the People's Democratic Party (PDP). The announcement was made on Tuesday in Ado-Ekiti, Ekiti State, where Ekunyan, hailing from Ise-Orun Local Government Area, unveiled a comprehensive 7-point strategic agenda aimed at repositioning Nigeria from its current socio-economic challenges.
Key Promises and Policy Proposals
Ekunyan vowed to increase the minimum wage for workers to N150,000 if elected, emphasizing his commitment to addressing the country's pressing issues through sustainable development, institutional reforms, and improved governance. He outlined ambitious plans, including the creation of 30 million jobs, implementation of free and compulsory education up to the tertiary level, and provision of free health services. According to Ekunyan, with proper prioritization of national needs, funds would be available to support these critical programs.
Tackling Insecurity with Decisive Measures
On the security front, Ekunyan pledged to tackle insecurity across Nigeria within 24 hours of taking office. He expressed confidence that decisive leadership, enhanced coordination among security agencies, and adequate resource deployment would curb criminal activities. He attributed the nation's worsening security challenges to systemic lapses within the government, alleging collaboration between some insiders and criminal elements. Ekunyan highlighted the inadequacy of the current security manpower, noting that approximately 500,000 personnel are insufficient to police over 200 million Nigerians. To address this, he proposed recruiting an additional 3 million security personnel to strengthen the system.
Comprehensive Agenda for National Development
Ekunyan's agenda extends beyond security and wages. In agriculture, he proposed establishing 20,000 farm hubs nationwide, equipped with storage, processing, and packaging facilities to boost food security and value chains. For healthcare, he promised free medical services, expansion of health facilities, improved welfare for health workers, and increased investment in modern equipment. On infrastructure, he outlined plans for an inter-state rail network, improved road connectivity, stable electricity supply through diverse energy sources, and enhanced telecommunications.
PDP's Resilience and Future Prospects
In response to the declaration, Sanya Atofarati, the PDP South-West Publicity Secretary, affirmed the party's strength despite current challenges, insisting it is not on the verge of extinction. He expressed confidence that the PDP would overcome internal issues and reposition itself ahead of the forthcoming general elections, citing its track record that continues to resonate with Nigerians. "The PDP is alive and bouncing back. Regardless of the challenges, we remain trusted and tested by Nigerians. Efforts are ongoing to unite the leadership in the overall interest of the country," he stated.
