Peter Obi Challenges Tinubu, Atiku To Public Debate, Warns Against Hiding Behind ‘High Walls Of Power’

By Chibuzo Obidike

The presidential candidate of the Nigerian Democratic Congress and former Anambra State Governor, Mr Peter Obi, has thrown a major challenge to political leaders ahead of the 2027 general election, urging presidential contenders to come out from behind political structures and proxies and face Nigerians directly.

Obi gave the challenge on Friday while marking the commencement of his campaign for the 2027 Presidential and National Assembly elections, insisting that Nigerians deserve candidates who will personally engage the people, defend their records and subject their plans for the country to public scrutiny.

He said the 2027 election must be about capacity, competence, compassion, character and commitment, rather than ethnicity, religion, propaganda, elitism or political patronage.

Obi challenged presidential candidates to travel across the country and engage communities affected by insecurity, poverty, flooding and economic hardship, arguing that genuine leadership requires direct contact with the people.

He said he and his running mate, Senator Rabiu Kwankwaso, would take their campaign directly to Nigerians, listen to their concerns, answer questions and defend their records without relying on proxies.

The presidential candidate also outlined his proposed direction for Nigeria, with emphasis on security, food production, manufacturing, technology, education, healthcare, infrastructure and human capital development.

Obi argued that Nigeria cannot achieve prosperity by continuing to consume more than it produces, stressing the need to transform the country’s huge population and natural resources into productive economic assets.

He said Nigerians should judge every candidate by practical questions around their welfare, including whether families can afford food, healthcare and education, whether businesses can survive and create jobs, and whether farmers can work safely.

Obi also called for responsible management of public finances, insisting that government expenditure must have clear purposes and measurable outcomes.

He maintained that Nigeria has the people, resources, creativity and enterprise required to overcome its challenges, but needs leadership capable of turning those opportunities into tangible results.

As the 2027 political contest gathers momentum, Obi’s position is set to intensify the debate over who has the capacity, record and courage to personally face Nigerians and defend their vision for the country. He declared that his campaign would focus on uniting Nigeria, securing the country, driving inclusive economic growth and moving the nation from consumption to production.