Peter Obi, presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), has challenged all candidates seeking the presidency in 2027 to defend their records and subject their plans for Nigeria to public scrutiny.
Obi made the call on Friday at a press conference marking the launch of his campaign for the 2027 presidential election.
He said presidential candidates must have the courage to engage Nigerians directly instead of relying on representatives or surrogates to speak on their behalf.
“Every candidate must be willing to present their credentials, defend their records, and subject their vision to open scrutiny,” Obi said.
“No candidate should hide behind the high walls of power, send proxies or surrogates… and expect Nigerians to entrust them with leadership of their country.”
The former Anambra governor said anyone seeking the presidency must be prepared to answer questions from citizens and openly defend their record, character and vision for the country.
Obi also stressed the importance of leaders being physically present and empathetic, particularly in communities affected by insecurity, natural disasters and other crises.
“You cannot truly lead a people you are unwilling to visit, listen to, and understand,” he said.
He said he and Senator Rabiu Kwankwaso would take their campaign message directly to Nigerians, listen to their concerns and engage with them without delegating the process.
“We will answer the questions, defend our record and character, and present our plan to rebuild Nigeria,” Obi said.
According to him, any presidential candidate unwilling to travel across the country and engage directly with citizens would lack the capacity to govern effectively.
Obi said his campaign would focus on “resetting Nigeria by uniting it, securing it, on the path of economic and inclusive growth, and moving our country from consumption to production”.
The remarks set the stage for what Obi described as a direct and open engagement with Nigerians ahead of the 2027 presidential election.
