Peter Obi, presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), has formally kicked off his campaign for the 2027 general election, challenging political candidates to put their records, policies and competence before Nigerians for scrutiny.
Mr Obi, who emerged as one of the prominent opposition figures ahead of the 2027 presidential contest, said the election should be centred on issues affecting Nigerians rather than personal attacks, ethnic sentiments or divisive rhetoric.
The commencement of the campaign follows the signing of a National Peace Accord by presidential and National Assembly candidates in Abuja, in which political actors pledged to conduct issue-based campaigns and reject violence, hate speech, misinformation and personal attacks.
The former Anambra State governor has repeatedly argued that Nigerians deserve leadership capable of addressing the country’s economic and security challenges, insisting that candidates should be judged by what they have achieved rather than by campaign promises.
Obi has also urged political leaders seeking re-election to defend their performance in office and allow voters to compare their records with the alternatives being presented to them.
His campaign is expected to focus heavily on the economy, security, education, healthcare, employment and the management of public resources.
In recent months, Obi has intensified his criticism of President Bola Tinubu’s administration, arguing that Nigeria requires a change in leadership to tackle its economic and security difficulties. He has also challenged the President to defend the administration’s record in a live televised debate.
The 2027 contest is shaping up as a major political battle, with Obi and other opposition figures seeking to challenge the governing All Progressives Congress and President Tinubu.
Political campaigns officially began on 19 August, following the National Peace Accord ceremony attended by several presidential candidates and political party leaders. The Independent National Electoral Commission has urged candidates and their supporters to respect the rules of engagement and ensure that the election is not reduced to violence or personal attacks.
Obi has said the credibility of the 2027 election would ultimately depend on whether Nigerians are allowed to freely choose their leaders and have their votes genuinely count.
As the campaign season gathers momentum, the former Anambra governor’s message is expected to revolve around accountability, competent leadership and the need for voters to assess candidates based on their records.
With the 2027 presidential race now formally underway, attention is increasingly shifting towards how the competing parties and candidates will convince millions of Nigerians that they have the ideas, experience and capacity to lead the country.
