morganaBLE politics/elections
A major highlight of the discussion was the debate over insecurity, which has remained one of Nigeria’s most persistent challenges.
KaNo—
Issues of insecurity, fuel subsidy, state policing and economic reforms took centre stage on Monday at the 66th Annual General Conference of the Nigerian Bar Association in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, as leading presidential contenders for the 2027 general elections presented sharply divergent views on how to address the country’s pressing challenges.
The debate, held as part of the conference themed “Beyond Limits: Redefining the Practice of Law,” brought together key political figures, including presidential candidates Peter Obi of the Nigeria Democratic Congress, Omoyele Sowore of the African Action Congress, Donald Duke of the People’s Redemption Party, and Adewale Adebayo of the Social Democratic Party.
Also in attendance was the vice-presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress, Rotimi Amaechi.
The forum provided a platform for the candidates to articulate their policy positions before a large audience of legal practitioners, policy experts and civil society actors, setting the tone for what is expected to be a fiercely contested election cycle.
A major highlight of the discussion was the debate over insecurity, which has remained one of Nigeria’s most persistent challenges.
Speaking during the session, Obi argued that tackling insecurity required a fundamental shift from traditional military responses to a broader “human security” approach that addresses the root causes of violence.
Poverty, Unemployment Fueling Criminality-Obi
According to him, poverty, unemployment, corruption and systemic weaknesses in the country’s security architecture were key drivers of criminality.
“You need to do a comprehensive overhaul or study of our strategy to a security problem today,” Obi said. “You need to audit the architecture that is driving that strategy and look at security from a human security perspective.”
Obi also called for improved coordination among security agencies, enhanced welfare for personnel and stronger support for local communities and vigilante groups.
The former Anambra State governor further identified intelligence gathering as a critical gap in Nigeria’s security framework, stressing that effective intelligence remains the backbone of any successful security strategy.
He linked the country’s security crisis to its economic structure, arguing that Nigeria must transition from a consumption-driven economy to a production-based one, particularly by investing in agriculture and job creation.
Subsidy Benefiting Political Elites-Sowore
In contrast, Sowore took a more radical stance, particularly on the issue of fuel subsidy, declaring that he would not remove it if elected president. He argued that subsidy removal policies have historically benefited political elites rather than the masses.
“The question about subsidy is, who are you subsidising? You are subsidising the elites. You are subsidising the governors,” Sowore said.
He criticised successive governments for repeatedly removing subsidies while promising economic improvements that have yet to materialise, insisting that the citizens should be the primary beneficiaries of government support.
Sowore also used the platform to challenge the records of his fellow contestants, accusing past officeholders of failing to deliver meaningful governance.
On insecurity, the AAC candidate proposed a three-stage strategy beginning with what he described as “stopping the bleeding” through improved funding, equipment and welfare for security agencies.
He advocated the adoption of international best practices and the deployment of advanced technology, including drones, to strengthen surveillance and response capabilities.
He further proposed a N500,000 minimum wage, arguing that improved remuneration for workers, including security personnel, would help reduce corruption and enhance efficiency.
Sowore linked insecurity to deep inequality, noting that many young Nigerians are drawn into criminal activities such as kidnapping due to economic desperation and the lure of quick financial gains.
He also described terrorism in Nigeria as an entrenched “industry,” suggesting that it is sustained by powerful interests and cannot be effectively tackled without confronting alleged political complicity.
Intelligence Gathering, Economic Stability Needded-Amaechi
Amaechi, however, offered a different perspective, emphasising the importance of economic stability and intelligence gathering in addressing insecurity. He argued that crime often thrives in environments where economic opportunities are limited.
“If today lawyers can’t pay their salaries, if you’re not careful, some lawyers will become criminals because crime pays,” Amaechi said, highlighting the link between economic hardship and criminal behaviour.
He recalled how his administration relied on detailed intelligence reports to monitor activities across the state.
“When I was governor, I knew where everybody was. I knew who was doing what. I knew who entered a hotel and came out of a hotel, and where he went to. That information was passed to me every day, and I knew what to do,” he said.
He also pointed to his record in office, stating that his administration invested heavily in infrastructure, including schools and roads, while significantly reducing crime through proactive security measures.
Amaechi added that regional cooperation with neighbouring countries had strengthened intelligence sharing and contributed to efforts to combat cross-border criminal activities during his tenure as Minister of Transportation under the previous administration.
While the candidates differed sharply on key issues, the debate underscored the central role that insecurity and economic management are likely to play in the 2027 elections.
Gbajabiamila Defends Ongoing Reforms
Also weighing in on the discussions, the Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila, defended the Federal Government’s ongoing reforms, including moves toward the establishment of state police.
He argued that decentralising policing would enhance responsiveness and improve security outcomes at the grassroots level, a position that has generated both support and opposition across the country.
Other participants at the conference, including Donald Duke and Adewale Adebayo, also contributed to the discourse, offering perspectives on governance, institutional reform and economic policy, though the most intense exchanges were between Obi, Sowore and Amaechi.
Observers say the debate reflects the growing diversity of ideas among Nigeria’s political class, as well as the urgency of addressing longstanding national challenges.
As the 2027 elections draw closer, analysts believe that voters will be closely scrutinising the policy proposals and track records of candidates, particularly on issues of security, economic stability and social welfare.
The NBA conference, widely regarded as one of the most influential gatherings of legal and policy stakeholders in Nigeria, is expected to continue to serve as a key platform for national discourse in the months ahead.