The presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, has called for issue-based campaigns ahead of the 2027 general elections, saying political candidates should focus on policies and performance rather than insults and personal attacks.
Obi, who spoke on Friday at the 2026 All Nigeria Editors’ Conference in Enugu, also said he would never abuse President Bola Tinubu or any other political office holder, insisting that respect for public office does not prevent him from criticising policies or questioning government performance.
The conference has as its theme, “The Ballot, the Media and the Task of Keeping Democracy Alive.”
Speaking against the backdrop of the controversy over Anambra State’s debt, Obi said he could disagree with Governor Chukwuma Soludo or Tinubu without resorting to personal attacks.
“I cannot abuse any governor. I cannot abuse anybody in government. I don’t need to abuse people even in federal government. I’ve never abused anybody. Who has seen me calling President Tinubu’s name? Never! I will not do that. He’s the President of the country, he has all my respect,” he said.
Obi, however, said respect for political leaders should not prevent citizens or the media from holding them accountable.
“But I can argue on other issues, whether you’re doing well, or you’re not doing the right thing. That is allowed,” he said.
He urged Nigerians, particularly editors, to scrutinise political leaders based on their records, statements, qualifications and conduct.
“We must, because the leader… the character and behavior of the leader exemplifies the value of the society. And the leader must live it,” Obi said.
Obi tasks editors on issue-based campaigns
Obi also urged editors to help shape the nature of political campaigns ahead of the 2027 elections by ensuring that politicians address issues affecting Nigerians.
He described the media as an important institution in building a better society and urged editors to make the country’s future central to their coverage and discussions.
“As we approach election, number one, that our discussions, our campaigns, everything we do, is strictly based on issues that will bring good governance, that will bring unity, security, and prosperity for the country,” he said.
Obi urged editors to challenge politicians whenever their campaigns degenerated into name-calling.
“If anybody steps out of it and goes into name-calling, or anything, you say, ‘No, no, no, no! That’s not the issue. You shouldn’t go there,’” he said.
He also called on the media to speak out when candidates are prevented from campaigning, saying such interventions were necessary to ensure a free, fair and credible election.
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