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Former Anambra State Governor, Peter Obi, and Ex-Kano State Governor, Rabiu Kwankwaso, on Saturday, cautioned aspirants of the National Democratic Congress(NDC) ahead of the 2027 general elections against greed, vote-buying and self-serving politics.
They were represented by former Inter-Party Advisory Council Chairman, Peter Ameh, and Kwankwaso’s 2023 campaign coordinator, Moshood Shittu, respectively, at a one-day aspirants’ summit in Abuja organised by the Obidient and Kwankwasiyya movements, where speakers urged participants to prioritise integrity and issue-based leadership.
Obi called on aspirants to embrace accountability and sacrifice, stressing that Nigeria required leaders focused on public service rather than personal enrichment.
He said aspirants must avoid politics driven by ethnicity or personal ambition, warning that leadership must be anchored on national interest and not sectional loyalty.
“Nigeria does not need more politicians; it needs statesmen and women who will prioritise the public over personal gain and greed.
“The world is watching, and Nigerians are watching. We cannot continue with negative politics that threaten the survival of our country,” he said.
He added that political leaders who abandon their parties or betray voters after elections undermine public trust and democratic values.
Kwankwaso, represented by his 2023 campaign coordinator, Moshood Shittu, said Nigeria’s challenges were linked to a lack of leaders willing to make sacrifices or speak honestly to citizens.
“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 stated.
He urged emerging politicians to prioritise justice, patriotism and national unity, expressing optimism that citizens would eventually demand better leadership.
Earlier, the National Democratic Congress National Secretary, Ikenna Enekweizu, assured aspirants of a transparent primary process, dismissing claims of a predetermined list of candidates.
He said nominations would be determined through competitive primaries or consensus built through consultation.
“There is absolutely no special list. Our candidates will emerge either through contested primaries or consensus after proper consultations,” he said.
Enekweizu also announced reduced nomination fees for women, youths and persons with disabilities as part of the party’s inclusion policy.
The summit also featured discussions on possible collaboration between the Obidient and Kwankwasiyya movements, with supporters indicating interest in working towards a consensus political arrangement ahead of 2027.
