We should not make the same mistakes made in 2023, where candidates such as Peter Obi, with genuine intention, interest and vast experience to salvage the nation, were robbed of their good intentions
By David Okpashi
A chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Engr. Anselm Ijebor, has urged Nigerians to approach the 2027 general elections with greater scrutiny, calling on voters to examine the track records, competence and achievements of political candidates before deciding who to support.
Ijebor made the call in Abuja on Wednesday while reacting to the commencement of presidential campaign activities ahead of the 2027 elections, in accordance with the timetable released by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
He warned that Nigerians must not allow the forthcoming election to be driven by ethnic, religious or political sentiments, stressing that the country could not afford another leadership choice based largely on propaganda and emotional appeals.
The PDP chieftain said the 2027 election presented Nigerians with an opportunity to critically interrogate presidential candidates and other political office seekers on their previous records, policy proposals and capacity to deliver on their promises.
He called for stronger documentation and tracking of the performances of politicians who have previously occupied public offices, saying such records should form a major basis for determining who deserves the people’s votes.
According to him, political campaigns should be centred on issues that directly affect the lives of Nigerians, particularly the economy, security, employment, healthcare, education and infrastructure.
“It is a very open opportunity for Nigerians to interrogate the various parties and their candidates,” he said.
Ijebor urged civil society organisations, rights groups, election observers and other stakeholders to push political parties and candidates towards issue-based campaigns, rather than allowing the electoral process to degenerate into mudslinging and personal attacks.
He said candidates should be compelled to explain not only what they intend to do if elected, but also what they achieved in previous positions they held.
“Candidates must tell Nigerians what they have achieved previously in public office and what they intend to do differently if given another opportunity to serve,” he said.
The PDP chieftain particularly cautioned Nigerians against voting based solely on religion, ethnicity or party loyalty, arguing that the country’s current economic and security challenges demand a more deliberate approach to leadership selection.
He expressed the view that the 2023 elections offered important lessons that should guide voters in 2027.
“We should not make the same mistakes made in 2023, where candidates such as Peter Obi, with genuine intention, interest and vast experience to salvage the nation, were robbed of their good intentions,” Ijebor stated.
He maintained that Nigeria needs leaders with a clear understanding of the country’s problems and the competence, experience and determination to tackle them.
According to him, Nigerians should look beyond campaign promises and assess whether candidates possess the knowledge and practical experience required to translate their ideas into policies capable of improving the country’s fortunes.
Ijebor also expressed support for the presidential aspirations of Peter Obi and Rabiu Kwankwaso, describing their candidacies as potential alternatives for Nigerians seeking a departure from what he described as the hardship currently confronting the country.
“Peter Obi and Kwankwaso’s candidacies will salvage Nigeria and Nigerians from the unbearable hardship imposed on our people. Let us be wise and do the right thing as the country moves into another election in 2027,” he said.