Former Anambra State governor Peter Obi and his Kano State counterpart Rabiu Kwankwaso have warned politicians ahead of the 2027 general elections against tribalism, vote-buying, greed and what they described as politics driven by personal ambition.
The two opposition figures, represented at a one-day political summit in Abuja by former Inter-Party Advisory Council chairman Peter Ameh and Kwankwaso’s 2023 campaign coordinator Moshood Shittu respectively, spoke at an event organised by supporters of the Obidient and Kwankwasiyya movements.
Obi, the Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, urged aspirants to embrace integrity, sacrifice and service-oriented leadership, insisting that Nigeria required “statesmen and women” rather than career politicians focused on personal enrichment.
“Nigeria does not need more politicians; it needs statesmen and women who will prioritise the public over personal gain and greed,” he said.
“The world is watching, and Nigerians are watching. We cannot continue with negative politics that threatens the survival of our country.”
He challenged political aspirants to focus on practical responses to insecurity, unemployment, inflation, poor infrastructure and a struggling health system, rather than what he described as empty campaign promises.
Obi also warned against post-election party defections and ethnic-based leadership choices, arguing that such conduct undermined public trust.
“If you become president and only trust people from your tribe, then you are not truly the president of Nigeria,” he added.
On his part, Kwankwaso said Nigeria’s governance challenges stemmed largely from a failure of leadership and a lack of willingness among political elites to make sacrifices for the country.
“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 said.
The former Kano governor called for renewed commitment to justice, patriotism and national unity, expressing confidence that citizens would eventually demand higher standards from their leaders.
“One day, the people will come together to say enough is enough,” he said.
At the summit, the National Secretary of the National Democratic Congress, Ikenna Enekweizu, assured participants of transparent primary processes ahead of the elections, dismissing claims of a pre-determined list of candidates.
“There is absolutely no special list. Our candidates will emerge either through contested primaries or consensus after proper consultations,” he said.
He also announced affirmative action measures aimed at widening political participation, including a 50% reduction in nomination fees for women and young people aged 18 to 35, and a 75% discount for persons with disabilities.
The gathering also featured renewed coalition discussions between the Obidient and Kwankwasiyya movements, with participants signalling support for a possible consensus arrangement involving Obi and Kwankwaso ahead of 2027, alongside pledges to jointly mobilise funds for presidential nomination forms.
