morGANABLE politics/elections
Peter Obi said candidates must resist the temptation to rely on proxies and political surrogates, insisting that leadership requires direct engagement with the electorate.
KaNo—
The presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, has challenged President Bola Tinubu and other aspirants in the 2027 general election to publicly defend their records and subject their policy proposals to rigorous scrutiny by Nigerians.
Obi made the call on Friday while addressing a world conference marking the official commencement of campaigns for the 2027 presidential and National Assembly elections.
The former governor of Anambra State said the election season should provide an opportunity for citizens to directly assess the competence, character, and capacity of those seeking to govern the country.
According to him, candidates must resist the temptation to rely on proxies and political surrogates, insisting that leadership requires direct engagement with the electorate.
“No candidate should hide behind the high walls of power, send proxies or surrogates to the hustings, and expect Nigerians to entrust them with the leadership of the country,” Obi said.
“Every candidate seeking the presidency must have the courage to come before the people, answer their questions, defend their records, and subject their vision to public scrutiny.”
Obi Emphasizes Genuine Leadership
Obi stressed that genuine leadership demands physical presence and empathy, particularly in communities grappling with insecurity, economic hardship, and environmental challenges.
He noted that leaders must be willing to meet citizens where they live, listen to their concerns, and demonstrate a clear understanding of their realities.
“True leadership requires presence and empathy. No one can lead from the front without standing with communities across Nigeria devastated by banditry, criminality, terrorism, and flooding,” he said.
“You cannot truly lead people you are unwilling to visit, listen to, and understand.”
The NDC candidate pledged that he and his running mate, Rabiu Kwankwaso, would personally travel across the country throughout the campaign period to engage voters directly, rather than delegating that responsibility to party officials or spokespersons.
“Today, I make this clear commitment: my running mate and I will take our message directly to Nigerians. We will listen to them, understand their concerns, and engage them openly. We will not delegate this duty to proxies,” he stated.
Obi further argued that the 2027 election should be driven by issues rather than identity politics, urging Nigerians to reject campaigns built on ethnicity, religion, or political patronage.
Obi Urges Nigerians To Reject Campaigns Built On Religion, Ethnicity
Instead, he called for a focus on what he described as the “five Cs” -capacity, competence, compassion, character, and commitment.
“The forthcoming election must be about ideas and solutions. Nigerians deserve leaders who can deliver results, not those who rely on divisive narratives,” he said.
The former governor also highlighted the numerous challenges facing the country, including widespread poverty, rising unemployment, insecurity, weak infrastructure, and the high cost of living.
Despite these issues, he expressed confidence in Nigeria’s potential, noting that the country possesses abundant human and natural resources capable of driving sustainable development.
Obi Outline Key Priorities
Obi outlined key priorities for his administration if elected, saying his government would focus on boosting production, encouraging investment, and developing human capital.
“We must move Nigeria from consumption to production. That is the pathway to creating jobs, reducing poverty, and building a resilient economy,” he said.
He advocated improved intelligence gathering, enhanced coordination among security agencies, better border management, and the deployment of technology-driven policing systems.
He also emphasized the need for decentralised security management to enable more effective responses to local threats.
Obi Says Insecurity Major Challenge
According to him, insecurity has evolved into a major economic challenge, as farmers are unable to access their farmlands, children are prevented from attending school, and businesses struggle to operate in affected areas.
“Insecurity is no longer just a security issue; it is an economic crisis. When people cannot farm, learn, or trade, the entire nation suffers,” he said.
Obi pledged increased investment in education, healthcare, and technical and vocational training, arguing that Nigeria’s large youth population should be viewed as an asset rather than a burden.
“Our young people are our greatest strength. With the right investment in education and skills, they can drive innovation, productivity, and economic growth,” he said.
He added that his administration would prioritise policies that support local manufacturing, add value to agricultural products, and create an enabling environment for businesses to thrive.
“We should debate ideas without hatred, compete without violence, and disagree without weakening the bonds that unite us. When Nigerians make their choice, that choice must be respected,” he said.
Obi emphasised that democracy does not end with elections, urging citizens to continue holding elected officials accountable even after the polls.
“Democracy is a continuous process. Nigerians must demand transparency, accountability, and results from those in power,” he noted.
Reflecting on his experience, Obi said his background in the private sector and his tenure as governor had equipped him with the knowledge and skills required to manage public finances and drive development.
“I am entering this race with a firm belief that Nigeria can work, and Nigeria must work. We have the resources, the talent, and the opportunity to build a better future,” he said.
He concluded by reiterating his commitment to national unity, security, and inclusive economic growth.
“Our task is to turn these possibilities into results. I commit to commencing the journey of resetting Nigeria by uniting it, securing it, and placing it on the path of sustainable and inclusive growth,” Obi added.
The remarks come as political activities intensify ahead of the 2027 general elections, with major parties preparing to unveil their strategies and candidates in what is expected to be a fiercely contested race.