BY AHMED AKANBI
A chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Engr Anselm Ijebor, has urged Nigerians to interrogate candidates and avoid voting based on religion, ethnicity and slogans as the 2027 election campaign commences.
Ijebor, speaking to journalists in Abuja on Wednesday while reacting to the lifting of the presidential campaign ban by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) said the country must not be plugged into “another definition of politics” and hardship.
He advocated for intensified record tracking of those seeking elective positions, adding that the 2027 presidential election should be judged by individual records and landmark achievements.
The PDP frontline politician said the campaign period should provide an opportunity for Nigerians to engage candidates directly and demand clear explanations on how3 they intend to address the country’s economic, security and geopolitical challenges.
He said: “Nigerians should not be satisfied with candidates’ slogans, but should demand specific and measurable commitments that will translate into concrete 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 the INEC timetable, Civil Society Organisations, CSOs, practitioners, rights activists, and other stakeholders in the electoral process should ensure that campaigns are issue-based rather than mudslinging.”
Ijebor urged voters to question candidates on what they had achieved previously while in public office and what they intended to do differently if elected.
He warned that the country is faced with insecurity, hardship and economic doldrums because the 2023 elections which produced today’s leadership were 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.
“What Nigerians needed at this critical moment of our nationhood are leaders with genuine intention, who know what to do, know the country’s challenges and are abreast with what is required to serve.
“Peter Obi and Kwankwaso’s candidacy 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,” Ijebor declared.
He added that political parties and candidates should move beyond personality-driven politics 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.
“The campaign should answer a fundamental question: How will the average Nigerian become economically better off under the proposed government?” he stressed.