Peter Obi, presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), has challenged all presidential candidates ahead of the 2027 election to present their credentials, defend their records and subject their plans for Nigeria to public scrutiny.
Obi made the call on Friday at a press conference in Onitsha, Anambra State, to formally kick-start the party’s campaign.
He said anyone seeking to lead Nigeria must be willing to engage directly with citizens, answer difficult questions and explain how their plans would address 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.”
Obi said genuine leadership requires candidates to physically engage with Nigerians, particularly communities affected by insecurity, banditry, terrorism, criminality and flooding.
“You cannot truly lead a people you are unwilling to visit, listen to and understand.”
He said he and his running mate, former Kano State Governor Rabiu Kwankwaso, would take their campaign directly to Nigerians and listen to their concerns without relying on proxies.
Obi Rejects Ethnic and Religious Politics
The NDC candidate said the 2027 campaign should focus on issues affecting Nigerians rather than ethnicity or religion.
He urged voters to reject propaganda and divisive politics, saying Nigeria needs leaders capable of addressing insecurity, poverty, hunger, unemployment and the growing number of out-of-school children.
“The 2027 election must be guided by competence, capacity, compassion, character and commitment.”
Obi also called on citizens to hold political leaders accountable beyond election day, stressing that democracy requires continuous demands for transparency and responsible governance.
Obi Unveils Economic Agenda
The former Anambra governor said his economic agenda would focus on production, investment, enterprise and human capital development.
He identified agriculture, manufacturing, agro-processing, technology, energy and other productive sectors as key areas for economic growth.
Obi promised improved security for farmers, better infrastructure, access to finance and markets, responsible management of public funds and a business environment that allows companies to invest, expand and create jobs.
“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.”
He also pledged reforms in security, education and healthcare, while promising to reduce wasteful spending and protect investments that expand Nigeria’s productive capacity.
Obi said Nigeria has the resources and human capacity to overcome its challenges despite insecurity, poverty, food insecurity, unemployment, poor infrastructure, unreliable electricity and the high cost of doing business.
“I enter this contest with one firm conviction: Nigeria can work, and Nigeria must work.”
2027 Campaign Begins
The 2027 presidential campaign officially began on Wednesday in line with the Independent National Electoral Commission’s (INEC) timetable, with the presidential and National Assembly elections scheduled for January 16, 2027.
The election is expected to feature a major contest between the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and opposition forces as political alliances and realignments intensify.
In the 2023 election, APC’s Bola Tinubu defeated Atiku Abubakar of the PDP, Peter Obi of the Labour Party and Rabiu Kwankwaso of the NNPP.
Ahead of 2027, Atiku and former Rivers State Governor Rotimi Amaechi have emerged as prominent figures in the ADC-led opposition coalition, while Obi is contesting under the NDC. Tinubu is seeking a second term.
The major contenders had also signed the National Peace Accord on Tuesday, pledging to conduct their campaigns and the election peacefully.
