Peter Obi Urges 2027 Candidates to Compete on Ideas, Reject Divisive Politics

Peter Obi has called on politicians preparing for the 2027 general election to put ideas and practical solutions ahead of divisive campaigns that could further weaken Nigeria’s unity.

The presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) made the appeal after attending the commissioning of the presidential campaign office of the Allied Peoples Movement (APM) in Abuja.

In a statement titled “Unity and Love in Politics”, posted on his X account on Tuesday, the former Anambra State governor said political competition must not be allowed to override the country’s collective interests.

Obi said Nigeria needed a new political culture built around unity, justice, mutual respect, inclusion and love, especially at a time when election campaigns could easily become heated and divisive.

“I used the opportunity to emphasise the need for us to build a New Nigeria anchored on Unity, Love, Justice, mutual respect, and inclusion, particularly at a time when political contests can become unnecessarily contentious and divisive,” he said.

He urged politicians and candidates to ensure that their commitment to Nigeria remained stronger than their political disagreements. Obi said the 2027 election should provide an opportunity for candidates to present competing ideas on how to solve the country’s major problems.

“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,” he said.

The former governor identified insecurity, poverty, hunger, inequality and the growing number of out-of-school children as some of the urgent challenges that should dominate political debates ahead of the election.

“Let our contest be about ideas and solutions that will address the enormous challenges facing our country today: insecurity, poverty, hunger, inequality, and the growing number of out-of-school children,” Obi said.

He also appealed for campaigns that would improve national unity and restore hope while ensuring political opponents treated one another with respect and decency.

Obi attended the APM campaign office commissioning alongside Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde, the party’s presidential candidate, and Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed, who is described as the party’s leader. He congratulated the governors and other leaders and members of the APM on the opening of the campaign office.

His appearance at the event has also generated speculation about possible political alliances and realignments as political actors begin positioning themselves ahead of the 2027 presidential election.