Former Presidential Candidates Push For Honest Leadership As Coalition Talks Intensify Ahead Of 2027 Elections
Former Anambra State Governor, Peter Obi, and former Kano State Governor, Rabiu Kwankwaso, have warned aspirants of the National Democratic Congress against greed, vote-buying and selfish politics ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The two political leaders delivered the warning on Saturday during a one-day summit for aspirants organised by the Obidient and Kwankwasiyya Movements in Abuja.
Obi was represented at the event by former Chairman of the Inter-Party Advisory Council, Peter Ameh, while Kwankwaso was represented by his 2023 campaign coordinator, Moshood Shittu.
Addressing participants at the summit, Obi urged politicians seeking elective offices to embrace integrity, sacrifice and people-focused leadership, insisting that Nigeria’s problems would only be solved by leaders genuinely committed to public service rather than personal wealth and political ambition.
According to him, Nigeria no longer needs politicians driven by greed and selfish interests but leaders willing to put the welfare of citizens above personal gain.
The former Labour Party presidential candidate stressed that Nigerians and the international community were closely observing the country’s political direction, warning that destructive politics and selfish leadership continue to threaten national unity and stability.
Obi also challenged aspirants to stop relying on empty campaign promises and instead focus on practical solutions to the country’s major challenges, including insecurity, unemployment, inflation, poor healthcare and decaying infrastructure.
He further cautioned politicians against promoting tribal politics or surrounding themselves only with people from their ethnic groups after winning elections.
According to him, any leader who governs based on tribal loyalty rather than national unity cannot truly claim to represent all Nigerians.
Obi also criticised the growing trend of politicians defecting to rival political parties after elections, describing such actions as betrayal of public trust and democratic values.
On his part, Kwankwaso, through his representative Moshood Shittu, blamed many of Nigeria’s current problems on the failure of leaders to make sacrifices and speak honestly to citizens.
He stated that the country continues to suffer because many political leaders are unwilling to put national interest above personal comfort and political survival.
Kwankwaso urged Nigerians, especially younger politicians and emerging leaders, to remain committed to justice, patriotism and national unity despite the country’s challenges.
He expressed confidence that Nigerians would eventually unite to demand credible leadership and reject bad governance.
Earlier at the summit, the National Secretary of the National Democratic Congress, Ikenna Enekweizu, assured aspirants that the party would conduct transparent and credible primaries ahead of the 2027 elections.
He dismissed rumours suggesting that the party already had a secret list of preferred candidates, insisting that all aspirants would have equal opportunities during the selection process.
According to him, candidates would emerge either through properly conducted primaries or through consensus arrangements reached after consultations with stakeholders.
Enekweizu also announced fresh affirmative action measures aimed at encouraging participation by women, youths and persons living with disabilities.
He disclosed that women and youths between the ages of 18 and 35 would pay only 50 per cent of nomination fees, while persons living with disabilities would pay just 25 per cent.
The summit also featured renewed coalition discussions between the Obidient Movement and the Kwankwasiyya Movement ahead of the 2027 presidential election.
Leaders and supporters from both camps reportedly agreed to work towards producing a joint presidential ticket involving Peter Obi and Rabiu Kwankwaso.
Supporters of the two political movements also pledged to jointly raise ₦60 million for the purchase of a proposed joint presidential nomination form ahead of the 2027 election.
