Obi demands credible 2027 polls, urges Nigerians to reject violent politicians
Summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.
At a glance
- Presidential candidate Peter Obi called for peaceful, issue-based campaigns ahead of Nigeria's 2027 general elections.
- He urged politicians to conduct themselves responsibly and avoid election-related violence, emphasizing that no citizen should die for an electoral contest.
- Obi also advocated for commemorating those who lost their lives in past elections, stressing the need to prevent future deaths in Nigeria's democracy.
Presidential candidate Peter Obi has urged politicians to prioritize peaceful and issue-based campaigns leading up to Nigeria's 2027 general elections. Speaking at a National Peace Accord signing ceremony in Abuja, Obi stressed that individuals aspiring to public office must demonstrate conduct worthy of the positions they seek.
"We must, for the sake of this country, ensure that our conduct reflects the office weโre seeking, our behaviour. We must do the right thing and campaign on issues that Nigerians are going through today," Obi stated. He emphasized that political leaders should not need a peace accord to act responsibly, arguing that those seeking the highest offices should set exemplary standards.
We must, for the sake of this country, ensure that our conduct reflects the office weโre seeking, our behaviour. We must do the right thing and campaign on issues that Nigerians are going through today.
Obi expressed deep concern over election-related fatalities, calling for a commitment to ensure no Nigerian loses their life during electoral contests. He specifically called for remembrance and proper commemoration of individuals who died during the recent Osun State governorship election. "Let us not forget those who died in ensuring that the election in Osun was achieved, the way it went. We should visit them, console their families, remain prayerful and conduct ourselves in a way that in our democracy, nobody needs to die for an election," he added.
The former Anambra State governor also reflected on Nigeria's electoral process, stating that his determination to reform the system fuels his participation. He believes that by engaging within the existing framework, he can work towards the necessary changes. Obi's call for responsible conduct and remembrance underscores his commitment to a more democratic and less violent electoral future for Nigeria.
Let us not forget those who died in ensuring that the election in Osun was achieved, the way it went. We should visit them, console their families, remain prayerful and conduct ourselves in a way that in our democracy, nobody needs to die for an election.
Originally published by The Punch. Summarized and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.