Peter Obi has challenged President Bola Tinubu and other aspirants ahead of the 2027 election to openly defend their records and allow Nigerians to examine their plans.
Speaking at a world conference in Abuja that marked the start of the presidential campaign season, the NDC candidate said no one should hide behind proxies or surrogates. He insisted that anyone seeking the presidency must personally meet the people, answer their questions and present their vision directly.
Obi stressed that true leadership requires presence and empathy, adding that candidates must visit communities affected by insecurity, banditry and flooding rather than lead from a distance. He pledged that he and his running mate, Rabiu Kwankwaso, would travel across the country themselves to engage voters.
He called for the 2027 race to focus on competence, character and ideas rather than ethnicity, religion or political patronage. Obi also urged peaceful campaigning, saying Nigerians should debate without hatred and respect the final choice of the people.
The former Anambra governor said the election offers a chance for citizens to assess the capacity and proposals of those seeking to lead the country at a time of economic and security challenges.
