Obi Challenges Presidential Candidates to Face Nigerians, Defend Their Records
By Nafiu Muhammad Lema
Peter Obi, presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), has challenged all contenders in the 2027 presidential election to come before Nigerians, defend their records and subject their policy proposals to public scrutiny.
Obi made the call on Friday during a press conference marking the formal launch of his campaign for the 2027 presidential election.
The former Anambra State governor said Nigerians deserved candidates who would engage them directly and take responsibility for their records and plans, rather than relying on representatives or surrogates.
He insisted that anyone seeking the presidency must be prepared to answer questions from citizens, explain their past performance and openly defend their vision for the country.
Obi also stressed the importance of physical presence and empathy in leadership, particularly in communities affected by insecurity, terrorism, banditry, criminality and natural disasters.
According to him, leaders cannot effectively govern people they are unwilling to visit, listen to and understand.
He said he and Senator Rabiu Kwankwaso would personally take their campaign message across the country, promising to engage Nigerians directly, listen to their concerns and respond to their questions without delegating the responsibility to proxies.
Obi further argued that any presidential candidate unwilling to travel across the country and interact with citizens would struggle to provide effective leadership.
He said his campaign would focus on what he described as a “reset” of Nigeria through national unity, improved security, economic growth and inclusion.
The NDC candidate also reiterated his commitment to moving Nigeria away from a consumption-driven economy towards production, describing the shift as essential to rebuilding the country and improving the welfare of its citizens.
