Abuja – Presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Mr Peter Obi, has called on Nigerians to critically evaluate the records, ideas and character of all presidential candidates ahead of the 2027 general election, urging voters to prioritise competence over political propaganda.
Obi’s position was contained in a statement issued by his Media Office to mark the commencement of the presidential campaign period, which began on August 19, 2026, in line with Section 98(1) of the Electoral Act ahead of the January 16, 2027 presidential election.
The statement, signed by his spokesman, Idris Zekeri Jnr, described the former Anambra State governor as a “candidate of conscience” and stressed that the 150-day campaign period should serve as an opportunity for Nigerians to scrutinise those seeking the country’s highest office.
According to the statement, election campaigns should go beyond rallies, slogans and political messaging, and instead focus on serious engagement with candidates’ competence, capacity and vision for addressing Nigeria’s challenges.
“The forthcoming election is more than a contest for political power,” the statement said, adding that Nigerians would be choosing between “old habits of waste, division and broken promises” and a new path driven by competence, accountability, productivity and hope.
The media office said Obi’s political philosophy has consistently been shaped by prudence, fiscal discipline and public accountability, noting that his campaign would centre on transforming Nigeria from a consumption-driven economy into a productive one.
It added that the NDC flagbearer would campaign on key issues including reducing the cost of governance, strengthening education and healthcare, improving security and creating greater economic opportunities for young Nigerians.
The statement further emphasised that Obi was seeking support based on his track record and vision rather than ethnic, religious or regional considerations.
“Peter Obi enters this campaign not as a champion of one tribe, one religion, or one region but as a Nigerian seeking judgement based on his record, ideas and vision,” the statement said.
According to the media office, Obi has repeatedly maintained that leadership should be assessed on the basis of competence, capacity, character, compassion and commitment rather than ethnicity, religion or political entitlement.
The statement challenged Nigerians to use the campaign period to carefully examine the promises of all presidential contenders and determine who possesses the ability to tackle the nation’s economic difficulties, insecurity, unemployment and institutional challenges.
It noted that Obi’s campaign message would focus on rebuilding trust between government and citizens through transparency, prudent management of public resources and investments in productive sectors of the economy.
Reiterating the candidate’s position, the statement stressed that governance should not be viewed as an entitlement or reward for political loyalty.
“Governance is neither a personal inheritance nor a reward for political loyalty. Leadership must be earned through verifiable competence, character and measurable outcomes,” the statement added.
With campaigns officially underway, Obi’s camp said it expects the coming months to provide Nigerians with an opportunity to evaluate the vision and capacity of all candidates before casting their votes in the 2027 presidential election.
