Obi: 2027 elections must be issue-based, credible

ENUGU — Presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, has called for issue-based campaigns, free and credible elections and greater respect for democratic principles ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Obi made the call on Friday while speaking on the role of the media and the need to build a law-abiding society at the 22nd All Nigeria Editors Conference in Enugu.

The conference, organised by the Nigerian Guild of Editors, is themed, “The Ballot, the Media and the Task of Keeping Democracy Alive.”

Obi urged journalists and citizens to ensure that political discourse remained focused on good governance, unity, security and prosperity.

He said political parties and candidates should be challenged to explain their records, qualifications and policy proposals rather than resorting to personal attacks or attempts to prevent opponents from campaigning.

According to him, politicians should be allowed to campaign across the country without unnecessary restrictions, stressing that democracy requires citizens to hear competing ideas before making their choices.

Obi cited his experience as governor of Anambra State, recalling that former Lagos State Governor, Babatunde Fashola, once visited the state to campaign for his political opponent, Chris Ngige.

He said he provided Fashola with his official convoy and accommodation and accompanied him during the campaign, adding that he did not allow political differences to affect their relationship.

Obi also dismissed suggestions that his relationship with the incumbent Anambra State Governor, Chukwuma Soludo, should become a political obstacle.

“There is no issue between me and Soludo. Me and Soludo are close. He is the governor, he is my governor,” he said, adding that he respected Soludo’s position as the state’s chief executive.

He said political disagreements should not degenerate into personal hostility, stressing that politicians must distinguish between political competition and their responsibilities to the people.

The former governor also revisited the controversy surrounding the finances he left behind in Anambra State, saying his administration left substantial savings and that the state’s financial position should be assessed based on official records.

Obi further urged Nigerians to question politicians about their backgrounds and past actions, arguing that candidates seeking public office must be prepared to account for their records.

He said candidates should not seek to suppress allegations against them but should explain or acknowledge wrongdoing where evidence exists.

“If any of us have done something wrong, come out and tell us, so that the children can learn,” he said.

Healthcare concerns

On healthcare, Obi lamented the condition of primary healthcare facilities in rural communities, saying many Nigerians still depend on churches and prayer because of inadequate access to functional healthcare centres.

He also criticised what he described as disproportionate public spending on healthcare for government officials compared with funding for major public hospitals.

Obi referred to the 2024 budget controversy over the allocation for the National Assembly Clinic, an issue he had previously raised publicly.

In 2024, he criticised the reported N15 billion allocation for the facility, arguing that it exceeded the combined capital votes of six major teaching hospitals.

He said scarce public resources should be directed towards institutions that serve the wider population, particularly healthcare, education, security and productive sectors.

Media’s role

Obi urged the media to play a central role in strengthening democracy by interrogating claims made by political leaders and keeping citizens informed.

“We have no other nation except this one,” he said, warning that political instability and a breakdown of democratic institutions would affect everyone.

He also called on young Nigerians to participate actively in elections and hold political leaders accountable, saying citizens should not regard politicians as infallible but should continually question their promises, records and qualifications.