The presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, has urged politicians contesting the 2027 elections to focus on ideas and practical solutions rather than divisive rhetoric.
Obi made the call in a statement titled “Unity and Love in Politics” posted on his X account on Tuesday, following his attendance at the commissioning of the presidential campaign office of the Allied Peoples Movement (APM) in Abuja.
The former Anambra State governor said political competition should not come at the expense of national unity, urging candidates to put Nigeria’s interests above their political differences.
He said the country needed a new political culture anchored on unity, justice, mutual respect and inclusion, particularly as campaigns for the 2027 elections gather momentum.
“We must insist that our shared love for our country should always be greater than our political differences. This is my call to all contestants in the forthcoming elections,” Obi said.
He urged presidential hopefuls to make the 2027 election a contest of ideas capable of addressing Nigeria’s pressing challenges, including insecurity, poverty, hunger, inequality and the growing number of out-of-school children.
“Let our contest be about ideas and solutions that will address the enormous challenges facing our country today,” he said.
Obi also called for campaigns that would unite Nigerians, restore hope and maintain civility among political opponents.
“Let us compete on ideas that will unite our people, improve their lives, and restore hope to our nation, while maintaining respect, decency, and love for one another,” he said.
He congratulated Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde, the APM presidential candidate, Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed and other party leaders and members on the commissioning of the campaign headquarters.
“I congratulate my dear brothers, Governor Seyi Makinde and Governor Bala Mohammed, as well as all the leaders and members of the APM, on this important milestone,” Obi said.
Obi’s appearance at the event, alongside Makinde and Mohammed, has fuelled speculation about possible political realignment ahead of the 2027 presidential election.
The NDC candidate, however, used the occasion to stress the importance of national unity and issue-based politics rather than directly addressing the speculation surrounding his attendance.
