2027: Peter Obi to respond only to presidential candidates

ABUJA — The Peter Obi Media Office has said the presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, will no longer respond directly to attacks, insinuations or criticisms from political surrogates ahead of the 2027 presidential election.

The media office said Obi would instead engage directly with presidential candidates on matters concerning the election, policies and his record in public office.

In a statement signed on Monday by the spokesman of the Peter Obi Media Office, Idris Zekeri, the office said the decision was based on its view that a presidential election should focus on candidates seeking the mandate of Nigerians.

According to the statement, Obi would not “legitimise proxies” by engaging individuals who are not themselves presidential candidates.

The statement said: “A presidential election is a contest between the individuals whose names will appear on the ballot and who are asking Nigerians to entrust them with leadership of the country, not between candidates and their hired defenders.”

The media office described Obi as a presidential contender who, according to it, was prepared to defend his record and discuss his policies directly with Nigerians.

It challenged other presidential candidates to similarly present their records, explain their policies and participate in debates on issues affecting the country.

The statement said Obi would not respond to what the media office described as “reckless accusations” or disputed claims made by political surrogates.

“Mr Peter Obi will not partake in that spectacle. From now on, surrogates are not our constituency of response. Candidates are,” the statement said.

It added that where a presidential candidate had an issue with Obi, the candidate should address him directly, while disagreements over policies should be subjected to open debate.

The media office also said that where Obi’s record was challenged, those raising the issues should equally present their own records for public scrutiny.

“The 2027 election will not be decided by the loudest surrogate. It will be decided by Nigerians. And Nigerians deserve to hear directly from those seeking their votes,” it said.

The office said Obi would remain focused on issues affecting Nigerians and the need to address the country’s economic and social challenges.

It urged presidential candidates to engage directly with one another and allow voters to assess their records, policies and plans for the country ahead of the 2027 election.

“If your name is on the ballot, Peter Obi will engage with you. If you are not on the ballot, Peter Obi has no reason to engage with you,” the statement said.