Former Anambra State governor and 2023 Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has urged politicians seeking elective offices in the 2027 general elections to conduct themselves in a manner that reflects the responsibilities of the positions they seek.
Obi made the call on Wednesday in a statement posted on his X handle after signing the first National Peace Accord for the 2027 presidential election alongside other presidential candidates.
The former governor said his decision to sign the accord reaffirmed his commitment to peaceful and issue-based electioneering.
According to Obi, political candidates must ensure that their conduct and campaign rhetoric reflect the responsibilities attached to public office. He also urged political leaders to restrain their supporters from engaging in violence.
“My signing of the accord is a reinforcement of my continued commitment to insisting that we, as candidates, must conduct ourselves in a way that reflects the office we aspire to,” Obi said.
He called on political leaders to reject violent rhetoric and ensure their supporters do the same.
Obi said the 2027 election campaigns should focus on issues affecting Nigerians rather than personal attacks, political bitterness and unnecessary rancour.
He identified national unity, insecurity, poverty, the growing number of out-of-school children and the need to restore hope among Nigerians as issues that should take centre stage during the campaigns.
“The next elections must be strictly based on the issues that matter to Nigerians,” he said.
The former governor also urged supporters of all political candidates to recognise the commitment made by presidential candidates to pursue free, fair and credible elections based on issues.
He said supporters should ensure that the commitments made by political leaders are reflected in their conduct throughout the electoral process.
Obi also delivered a pointed message to politicians seeking to be addressed as “His Excellency”, saying anyone aspiring to such a title must demonstrate excellence through their conduct and the process through which they attain office.
“Those of us wishing to be addressed as ‘His Excellency’ must behave excellently, and, more importantly, the process of attaining public office must be excellent,” he said.
He welcomed the commitment by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to conduct free, fair and credible elections.
Obi also said the pledge by law enforcement agencies to remain impartial throughout the electioneering process should be taken seriously.
He called on his supporters to remain peaceful, determined and committed to the electoral process.
“I call on my supporters to remain firm, determined, and peaceful,” he said.
Obi concluded his statement by repeating his familiar campaign message: “A New Nigeria is POssible.”
Source: Peter Obi / X
