2027: Obi challenges Tinubu, others to defend records

Peter Obi, the presidential candidate for the Nigeria Democratic Congress, has issued a direct challenge to President Bola Tinubu and other contenders for the 2027 election, calling on them to publicly defend their past records and policy proposals. Obi, speaking at a world conference marking the start of the 2027 campaign season, insisted that presidential hopefuls must not hide behind proxies. He argued that anyone aspiring to lead Nigeria needs the courage to face voters directly, answer their questions, and submit their visions to public scrutiny. "No candidate should hide behind the high walls of power, send proxies or surrogates to the hustings, and expect Nigerians to entrust them with the leadership of the country," Obi stated. He stressed that genuine leadership necessitates direct interaction with Nigerians, especially those in communities grappling with insecurity, terrorism, banditry, criminality, and flooding. "True leadership requires presence and empathy. No one can lead from the front without standing with communities across Nigeria devastated by banditry, criminality, terrorism, and flooding," he said. Obi pledged that he and his running mate, Rabiu Kwankwaso, would personally travel the nation to connect with voters, listen to their concerns, and articulate their plans for Nigeria. Obi advocated for the 2027 election to be decided on the basis of "capacity, competence, compassion, character and commitment," rejecting ethnicity, religion, elitism, or political patronage as deciding factors. He urged Nigerians to thoroughly scrutinize the records and proposals of all candidates before making their choice. The NDC candidate acknowledged Nigeria's significant economic and security challenges, including poverty, unemployment, and high living costs, but expressed confidence in the country's potential to overcome them with its resources.

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No candidate should hide behind the high walls of power, send proxies or surrogates to the hustings, and expect Nigerians to entrust them with the leadership of the country.