Peter Obi has challenged presidential candidates ahead of the 2027 general election to openly present their credentials, defend their records and subject their policies and plans for Nigeria to public scrutiny.
Obi, the presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), made the call on Friday at a press conference held to formally launch the party’s campaign.
Speaking at his residence in GRA, Onitsha, Anambra State, Obi said anyone seeking to lead Nigeria must be prepared to engage directly with citizens, answer their questions and demonstrate a clear understanding of the country’s challenges.
“Every candidate that seeks the presidency must have the courage to come before the people, answer their questions, defend their records and subject their vision to public scrutiny,” he said.
The former Anambra State governor said effective leadership requires empathy and direct engagement with citizens, particularly communities affected by insecurity, terrorism, criminality and natural disasters.
“You cannot truly lead a people you are unwilling to visit, listen to and understand,” Obi said.
He said he and his running mate, former Kano State Governor Rabiu Kwankwaso, would take their campaign directly to Nigerians, listen to their concerns and engage communities without relying on political proxies.
According to Obi, the campaign will focus on issues affecting Nigerians rather than ethnic or religious considerations.
“The 2027 election must be guided by competence, capacity, compassion, character and commitment. Our campaign will focus on urgent concerns of Nigerians and not on ethnicity or religion,” he said.
Obi urged voters to reject campaigns based on propaganda, ethnic divisions and religious sentiments, arguing that Nigeria needs leaders capable of addressing insecurity, poverty, hunger, unemployment and the rising number of out-of-school children.
He also promised to prioritise improvements in education, healthcare and economic opportunities if elected.
Citizens Must Demand Accountability
Obi said Nigerians should assess whether their lives have improved under the current administration and hold political leaders accountable for their performance.
“Democracy does not end on election day. Citizens must continue to demand transparency, accountability and resolve from those entrusted with the mandate to govern,” he said.
He identified insecurity, poverty, food insecurity, unemployment, inadequate infrastructure, unreliable electricity and the high cost of doing business as some of the major challenges confronting the country.
Despite these challenges, Obi maintained that Nigeria possesses the resources and human capital required to achieve sustainable development.
On the economy, he said his administration would prioritise production, investment, enterprise and human capital development, with agriculture, manufacturing, agro-processing, technology and energy forming key pillars of his agenda.
He also pledged to improve security for farmers, expand infrastructure, increase access to finance and markets, strengthen public financial management and create a business environment capable of attracting investment and generating employment.
“Nigeria cannot import its way to prosperity. We will produce more of what we consume, process more of what we produce, and compete more effectively in global markets,” Obi said.
He further promised reforms in the security, education and healthcare sectors, alongside measures to reduce wasteful government spending and protect investments that expand the country’s productive capacity.
Obi expressed confidence that his partnership with Kwankwaso would combine their respective governing experiences to address Nigeria’s challenges.
“I enter this contest with one firm conviction: Nigeria can work, and Nigeria must work,” he said, reaffirming his commitment to what he described as a journey to “reset Nigeria” by uniting the country, strengthening security and placing the economy on a path of inclusive growth.
His comments come amid renewed attention to the credentials and records of presidential candidates ahead of the 2027 election, following the release by the Independent National Electoral Commission of nomination forms and supporting documents submitted by candidates.
