•Peter Obi
As presidential campaigns officially get underway, the presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, has urged Nigerians to look beyond rallies, slogans and political propaganda and closely examine the records and policy proposals of those seeking to govern the country in 2027.
Obi, in a statement issued today by his spokesman, Idris Zekeri Jnr, said his campaign would be anchored on competence, accountability and prudent management of public resources.
The statement described Obi as the “Candidate of Conscience,” saying his political proposition was built around the belief that government should prioritise the welfare of citizens rather than political privilege.
According to the statement, the commencement of the campaign marks the beginning of a critical period in which Nigerians will have the opportunity to interrogate the competing visions being presented by presidential contenders ahead of the 2027 election.
The Obi camp said the former Anambra State governor would continue to push his argument for moving Nigeria from “consumption to production”, alongside proposals aimed at reducing the cost of governance, strengthening education and healthcare, improving security and creating greater economic opportunities for young Nigerians.
Rather than framing the contest around ethnicity, religion or political alliances, the media office said Obi intended to seek voters’ support on the basis of his record, ideas and capacity to govern.
It cited his tenure as Anambra governor as evidence of his emphasis on fiscal prudence, investment in education and healthcare, infrastructure development and accountability in the management of public resources.
The statement, however, placed particular emphasis on the responsibility of voters, urging Nigerians to subject every candidate to the same scrutiny during the campaign.
“Over the next 150 days, Nigerians will hear many promises. They will witness political rallies, campaign slogans and passionate debates. Yet the most important question remains unchanged,” the statement said.
The statement said voters should demand answers on how each candidate intends to tackle economic hardship, insecurity, unemployment and institutional weaknesses rather than allowing political sentiments to dominate the debate.
It further argued that the 2027 election should be treated as a decision about the kind of Nigeria citizens want to build, rather than merely a contest over who occupies the presidency.
“Governance is neither a personal inheritance nor a reward for political loyalty,” the statement said, adding that leadership should be measured through “verifiable competence, character and measurable outcomes.”
Peter Obi therefore called on Nigerians to listen to all candidates, examine their records, interrogate their manifestos and judge their promises against the realities confronting the country.
As the race enters the campaign phase, the statement said the responsibility for determining Nigeria’s political direction ultimately rests with the electorate.
“The next 150 days will test not only the candidates but also the conscience of the nation,” the office said.
Obi urged Nigerians to participate actively in the political process and make their choices based on competence, accountability and the future they desire for the country.
