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The NDC presidential candidate has challenged President Bola Tinubu, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and other contenders in the 2027 presidential race to come before Nigerians personally, defend their records and explain their plans for tackling the country’s economic, security and social challenges.
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Obi said anyone seeking the presidency must be prepared to answer citizens’ questions directly and subject his credentials, record and policy proposals to public scrutiny.
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The former Anambra governor, said he and Senator Rabiu Kwankwaso would take their campaign message directly to Nigerians across the country, listen to their concerns and engage them openly.
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Obi said his campaign would focus on uniting and securing Nigeria, promoting inclusive economic growth and moving the country away from a consumption-driven economy towards increased production.
August 21, (THEWILL) — Presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, on Friday threw down the gauntlet to President Bola Tinubu, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and other contenders in the 2027 presidential election, challenging them to stop hiding behind political surrogates and face Nigerians directly to defend their records, credentials and plans for the country.
Obi issued the challenge at a press conference to formally kick-start his campaign for the 2027 presidential election, insisting that Nigerians deserve to hear directly from those seeking their mandate to lead the country.
The former Anambra State governor said candidates seeking the presidency must have the courage to engage citizens, answer their questions and subject their records and proposed policies to public scrutiny, rather than 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. No candidate should hide behind the high walls of power, send proxies or surrogates, and expect Nigerians to entrust them with the leadership of their country.
“Every candidate that seeks the presidency must have the courage to come before the people, answer their questions, defend their records, and subject their vision to public scrutiny,” he said
Obi said effective leadership requires leaders to be physically present among the people, particularly communities bearing the brunt of insecurity, natural disasters and other national challenges.
He argued that presidential candidates cannot convincingly claim to be prepared to lead Nigeria if they are unwilling to visit communities affected by banditry, terrorism, criminality and flooding.
“You cannot truly lead a people you are unwilling to visit, listen to, and understand,” he said.
The NDC candidate maintained that direct contact with citizens is essential for understanding the realities confronting Nigerians, arguing that leadership should go beyond statements issued from government offices or engagements conducted through political representatives.
He further contended that any presidential candidate unwilling to travel across the country and interact directly with citizens would lack the understanding required to govern effectively.
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Obi, Kwankwaso Promise To Take Campaign To Nigerians
Obi said he and Senator Rabiu Kwankwaso would take their campaign message directly to Nigerians and engage citizens across the country instead of delegating the responsibility to political surrogates.
“Today, I make a clear commitment that Senator Rabiu Kwankwaso and I will take our message directly to Nigerians. We will listen to them, understand their concerns, and engage them openly.
“We will not delegate this process. We will answer the questions, defend our record and character, and present our plan to rebuild Nigeria,” he said.
Beyond challenging his opponents, Obi outlined the broad direction of his campaign, saying the NDC would focus on what he described as the need to reset Nigeria by strengthening national unity, improving security and placing the economy on a path of inclusive growth.
He said his proposed administration would seek to move Nigeria away from a consumption-driven economy towards increased production, with greater emphasis on economic productivity and opportunities for citizens.
“We are committed to commencing the journey of resetting Nigeria by uniting it, securing it, on the path of economic and inclusive growth, and moving our country from consumption to production,” Obi said.
Felix Ifijeh is a journalist with years of professional reporting experience. Known for his keen news sense, compelling storytelling and commitment to accurate, impactful reporting, he has built a reputation for turning leads into clear, engaging, and well-structured reports that resonate with readers. His work reflects deep newsroom experience and a commitment to accurate, impactful journalism.
