Scrutinise politicians’ records before elections, Obi urges editors

Peter Obi at the All Nigeria Editors Conference of the Nigerian Guild of Editors

The presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress, Peter Obi, has urged editors across the country to scrutinise the qualifications and past records of politicians seeking public office.

Obi made the call in a statement posted on his X handle on Saturday, following his participation in the 22nd All Nigeria Editors Conference of the Nigerian Guild of Editors in Enugu State on Friday.

The conference, themed, “The Ballot, The Media and the Task of Keeping Democracy Alive,” brought together editors to discuss the role of the media in strengthening Nigeria’s democracy.

Obi said editors should use their position in society to hold politicians accountable and demand excellence from those seeking public office.

He said, “Editors must continue to scrutinise the qualifications and past records of those seeking public office, expose past wrongdoings and ensure that the Nigerian people have access to the information they need to make informed decisions.”

The former Anambra State governor also urged editors to investigate the records of politicians and ensure that those in leadership positions exemplify the values expected in society.

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“In my remarks, I called on our editors to continue to reinforce their role as bulwarks protecting our democracy.

“I also emphasised the need for editors to use their privileged position in society to hold us politicians accountable, investigate our records and demand excellence from all of us contesting to become Excellencies,” he said.

Obi also said the conference provided an opportunity for him to interact with participants during a question-and-answer session and listen to their views on the state of democracy and the role of the media.

He thanked the Nigerian Guild of Editors for inviting him to the conference and wished the organisers a successful event.

He concluded, “A New Nigeria is Possible, and Nigeria will be OK. -PO.”

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