2027 presidential campaign: Nigeria must move beyond rhetorics to candidates ready to serve —Ijebor

By Okpashi Odama

As 2027 elections commences with the lifting of presidential campaign on Wednesday , a Chieftain of the People’s Democratic party (PDP), Engr Anselm Ijebor, has urged Nigerians to be wary of politicians who have plunged the country into another definition of politics.

Engr Ijebor also advocated for intensified record tracking of those seeking elective positions, adding that the 2027 election especially that of the president should be judged by individual records and landmark achievements in other not to further plugged the country into another incredible hardship.

Speaking to Journalists in Abuja on Wednesday, while reacting to the lift on presidential campaign by the Independent National Electorial Commission, INEC, the (PDP)Frontline politician argued that as the nation is set to witness another definition of politics, Nigerians Must Interrogate Candidates

He, urged Nigerians to use the 2027 electioneering period to critically examine the policies, records and programmes of politicians especially the presidential candidates and their parties.

The astute politician said the campaign period should provide an opportunity for Nigerians to engage candidates directly and demand clear explanations on how they intend to address the country’s economic, security and geopolitical challenges.

According to him, voters should not be satisfied with candidates’s slogans, but should demand specific and measurable commitments that will translate into concrete terms policies and programmes of activities for the next four years.

“It is a very open opportunity for Nigerians to interrogate the various parties and their candidates.

“AS the 2027 Presidential election campaign kicks off in line with INEC Timetable, Civil Society Organisations (CSO) practitioners and rights activists, and other stakeholders in the electorial processes should ensure that campaign are issue-based rather than mudslinging.

He urged Nigerians to question candidates on what they had achieved previously while in public office and what they intended to do differently if elected.

Ijebor who warned Nigerians against voting candidates base on religion, political and ethnic sentiment observed that that country is faced with insecurity challenges, hardship and economic doldrum because 2023 elections which produces today’s leadership was anchored on propaganda that has stagnated the nation for close to four years.

” We should not make the same mistakes made in 2023 where candidates such as peter Obi with genuine intention, interest and vast experiences to salvage the nation were robbed of their good intention”, Ijebor stated.

“What Nigerians needed at this critical moment of our nationhood are leaders with genuine intention, who knows what to do, knows the country’s challenges and are a breasted with what is required to surve and not those without to show to Nigerians”.

“Peter Obi and Kwankwaso candidacy will salvage Nigerian and Nigerians from the unbearable hardship brought imposed on our people. Let us be wise and do the right thing as the country move into another elections in 2027”, declared.

He said, “As presidential campaigns begin ahead of Nigeria’s 2027 General Elections, political parties and candidates should move beyond personality-driven politics, ethnic and religious mobilisation, and broad campaign slogans.

“The central focus should be on how government will improve the lives of Nigerians, strengthen the economy, provide security, improve public services, and ensure that public resources are used transparently and efficiently.”

“Nigerians want to see how economic policies translate into affordable food, transportation, housing, healthcare and education.

“A presidential campaign should therefore present a clear economic recovery strategy focused on reducing inflation, strengthening domestic production, supporting agriculture and manufacturing, improving access to affordable finance, and reducing the cost of doing business.

“Economic reforms should be assessed not only by macroeconomic indicators but also by their effect on households.

“The campaign should answer a fundamental question: How will the average Nigerian become economically better off under the proposed government?”, he said.