Former Governor of Anambra State and Labour Party presidential candidate in the 2023 election, Peter Obi, has called on aspirants seeking elective offices in the 2027 general elections to embrace integrity, sacrifice and people-oriented leadership to rebuild Nigeria and restore public confidence in governance.
Obi made the call at a one-day Aspirants Summit organised by the National Democratic Congress in Abuja.
Obi who was represented by former Chairman of the Inter-Party Advisory Council, Chief Peter Ameh, congratulated aspirants for stepping forward to serve the country, describing their decision as “an act of courage and patriotism” at a critical moment in Nigeria’s democratic journey.
According to him, “Nigeria does not need more politicians but statesmen and women who will prioritise the public over personal gain and greed.
He urged aspirants to focus on practical solutions to insecurity, unemployment, inflation, poor infrastructure and healthcare challenges rather than making promises that cannot be fulfilled.
Obi also warned against violence, vote-buying and manipulation of the electoral process, stressing that leadership begins with integrity in the pursuit of power.
“The world is watching, and Nigerians are watching. We cannot continue with negative politics that threatens the survival of our country,” he stated.
The former Anambra governor further stressed the need for national unity, insisting that Nigeria would only prosper when leaders place national interest above ethnic and religious considerations.
According to him, “If you become president and only trust people from your tribe, then you are not truly the president of Nigeria.”
He commended former Governor of Kano State, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, for what he described as prudent management of public resources and inclusive leadership, adding that Nigeria needs leaders willing to serve all citizens regardless of ethnicity or religion.
Obi also expressed concern over the collapse of the education sector, rising poverty and the growing number of out-of-school children, warning that poor leadership had deepened division and economic hardship across the country.
He cautioned aspirants against betraying the mandate of voters after elections through political defections, describing such actions as a breach of trust and a threat to democratic values.
Also speaking at the summit, former Kano state governor and NNPP Presidential candidate in 2023 elections, Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, who was represented by former member of the House of Representatives, Asiwaju Moshood Shittu, urged Nigerians and emerging leaders to remain committed to justice, national unity and responsible leadership.
Kwankwaso said Nigeria’s major challenge was not the absence of resources, but the failure of leaders to make sacrifices and speak honestly to the people.
According to him, “Where we are getting it wrong is because we do not have committed leaders who are ready to sacrifice for the country and speak honestly to the people.”
He expressed confidence in the resilience of ordinary Nigerians and grassroots political movements, adding that growing support across the country reflected increasing public demand for credible leadership and national rebirth.
In his presentation, the National Secretary of the NDC, Ikenna Enekweizu, assured aspirants and party members of a free, fair and transparent primary process ahead of the 2027 elections, dismissing allegations that the party had compiled a secret list of preferred candidates.
Enekweizu said the party remained committed to transparent primaries and consensus arrangements where necessary, while also announcing a 50 percent reduction in nomination fees for women and youths between ages 18 and 35, and 75 percent discounts for persons living with disabilities to encourage wider participation in politics.
Meanwhile, opposition chieftain Buba Galadima accused the ruling All Progressives Congress of allegedly designing the Electoral Act to weaken opposition parties, warning that unless aspirants accept consensus arrangements and party decisions, internal crises could undermine opposition efforts in the 2027 elections.
The summit also witnessed renewed coalition talks as the Obidient Movement and the Kwankwasiyya Movement agreed to work towards a consensus presidential ticket involving Obi and Kwankwaso ahead of the 2027 elections, with supporters of both camps pledging to jointly raise ₦60 million for the purchase of a joint presidential ticket.
