Former Anambra State Governor and Labour Party presidential candidate in the 2023 election, Peter Obi, and former Kano State Governor, Rabiu Kwankwaso, have cautioned political aspirants against vote-buying, greed and self-serving politics ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The duo gave the warning during a one-day summit for aspirants organised by the Obidient and Kwankwasiyya Movements in Abuja.
Obi and Kwankwaso were represented at the event by former Chairman of the Inter-Party Advisory Council, Peter Ameh, and Kwankwaso’s 2023 campaign coordinator, Moshood Shittu, respectively.
In his message, Obi urged aspirants seeking elective positions under the National Democratic Congress (NDC) to embrace integrity, sacrifice and people-centred leadership.
“Nigeria does not need more politicians; it needs statesmen and women who will prioritise public interest above personal gain and greed,” he said.
He warned against what he described as “negative politics” capable of threatening the country’s unity and democratic future.
Obi also urged politicians to focus on addressing insecurity, unemployment, inflation, poor infrastructure and challenges in the healthcare sector rather than making unrealistic campaign promises.
The former presidential candidate further criticised ethnic politics and condemned the practice of politicians defecting to rival parties after winning elections, describing it as a betrayal of public trust.
“If you become president and only trust people from your tribe, then you are not truly the president of Nigeria,” he added.
Speaking on behalf of Kwankwaso, Shittu blamed Nigeria’s worsening socio-economic and political challenges on a lack of committed and selfless leadership.
“Where we are getting it wrong is because we do not have leaders who are ready to sacrifice for the country and speak honestly to the people,” he said.
He called on emerging political leaders and Nigerians to remain committed to justice, patriotism and national unity, expressing optimism that citizens would eventually demand responsible governance.
Earlier, the National Secretary of the National Democratic Congress, Ikenna Enekweizu, assured aspirants of a transparent primary process ahead of the 2027 elections.
Enekweizu dismissed reports suggesting the existence of a secret list of preferred candidates within the party.
“There is absolutely no special list. Candidates will emerge either through contested primaries or consensus after consultations,” he stated.
He also announced affirmative measures aimed at encouraging participation of women, youths and persons living with disabilities in the political process.
According to him, women and youths between 18 and 35 years would pay 50 per cent of nomination fees, while persons living with disabilities would pay only 25 per cent.
The summit also featured renewed coalition talks between the Obidient and Kwankwasiyya Movements, with both groups expressing readiness to work towards a possible consensus presidential ticket involving Obi and Kwankwaso ahead of the 2027 elections.
Supporters from both blocs also pledged to jointly raise N60 million for the purchase of a joint presidential nomination form.
