— Okaba demands clear plans on economy, security, resource control
By Samuel Oyadongha, Yenagoa
As preparations for the 2027 general elections gather momentum, former President of the Ijaw National Congress (INC), Prof. Benjamin Okaba, has urged politicians to focus their campaigns on issues affecting Nigerians rather than personality attacks, ethnic sentiments and political rhetoric.
Okaba, who spoke with Vanguard in Yenagoa, said candidates seeking elective offices should clearly articulate their policies and programmes on critical sectors of the economy and national development.
He said the electorate should demand concrete proposals on the economy, security, corruption, federalism, resource control, infrastructure, education, healthcare, youth empowerment and the development of the Niger Delta, among other issues.
“Presidential candidates must tell Nigerians what kind of country they intend to build. Beyond four-year electoral cycles, the country needs a long-term national development vision with continuity, measurable targets and institutional commitment,” he said.
On the economy, Okaba said Nigerians needed an economy that improved their living conditions rather than one measured only by macroeconomic indicators.
He urged candidates to explain how they would reduce inflation, restore purchasing power, stabilise the naira, create jobs and make basic necessities more affordable.
The former INC president also called for concrete programmes on job creation, entrepreneurship, skills development and industrialisation, particularly for young Nigerians.
He said youths should not be treated merely as campaign crowds during elections but should be provided with opportunities for meaningful participation in the economy.
Okaba identified security as another major issue that should dominate the 2027 campaign, urging candidates to present clear strategies for tackling terrorism, banditry, kidnapping, communal conflicts, militancy and other forms of criminality.
He said political parties and candidates should also address the social and economic conditions that contribute to insecurity.
On corruption, the Ijaw leader urged candidates to explain how they intended to tackle waste, impunity and abuse of public office.
He called for stronger institutions, greater transparency in public expenditure and effective mechanisms for holding public officials accountable.
On federalism and resource control, Okaba said candidates should openly address Nigeria’s federal structure, fiscal federalism, devolution of powers and the relationship between the Federal Government and the states.
“The issue of who controls Nigeria’s natural resources and how revenues are shared among the federating units must be part of the campaign debate.
“Producing communities, particularly in the Niger Delta, deserve justice, equity and meaningful benefits from the resources extracted from their environment,” he said.
He also called for clear programmes to address environmental degradation, oil spills, gas flaring, polluted waterways, damaged farmlands and the broader developmental challenges facing the Niger Delta.
“The region cannot continue to bear the environmental cost of national economic development without commensurate benefits,” Okaba said.
He listed education, healthcare, infrastructure, electricity, agriculture and electoral reform among other issues that should receive serious attention during the campaigns.
Okaba urged candidates to present comprehensive plans for rebuilding the education system, making healthcare more accessible and affordable, addressing the infrastructure deficit, resolving the power crisis and developing agricultural policies capable of tackling rising food costs.
He also called for measures to strengthen the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and ensure credible elections.
The former INC president further stressed the need to protect fundamental rights, safeguard judicial independence and uphold the rule of law.
“Democracy cannot thrive where institutions are weakened or citizens feel that justice is dependent on political influence,” he said.
Okaba warned against turning the 2027 elections into another contest dominated by personalities, propaganda and political mobilisation without substantive policy debates.
“Nigerians should interrogate the candidates on what they intend to do, how they intend to do it, where the resources will come from and within what timeframe they will deliver.
“The electorate must demand programmes, not promises; policies, not propaganda; and accountability, not excuses. The future of Nigeria cannot be left to slogans,” he added.
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