Former governors of Anambra and Kano states, Peter Obi and Rabiu Kwankwaso, on Saturday cautioned aspirants of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) ahead of the 2027 general elections against greed, vote-buying and politics driven by personal ambition.

The two political leaders spoke through their representatives at a one-day summit for aspirants organised by the Obidient and Kwankwasiyya Movements in Abuja.

Obi, who was represented by former Chairman of the Inter-Party Advisory Council, Peter Ameh, urged aspirants seeking elective offices to embrace integrity, sacrifice and people-centred leadership, stressing that Nigeria needed leaders committed to service rather than personal enrichment.

“Nigeria does not need more politicians; it needs statesmen and women who will prioritise the public over personal gain and greed.

“The world is watching, and Nigerians are watching. We cannot continue with negative politics that threaten the survival of our country”, Obi said.

The former Labour Party presidential candidate challenged politicians to focus on practical solutions to insecurity, unemployment, inflation, poor infrastructure and healthcare challenges instead of making empty promises during election campaigns.

Obi also warned against ethnic politics and post-election defections by politicians, describing such actions as betrayals of public trust and democratic principles.

“If you become president and only trust people from your tribe, then you are not truly the president of Nigeria,” he added.

On his part, Kwankwaso, represented by his 2023 campaign coordinator, Moshood Shittu, blamed Nigeria’s worsening challenges on leaders unwilling to make sacrifices for the country or speak truthfully to citizens.

“Where we are getting it wrong is because we do not have committed leaders who are ready to sacrifice for the country and speak honestly to the people,” he stated.

Kwankwaso urged Nigerians and emerging political leaders to remain committed to justice, patriotism and national unity, expressing optimism that citizens would eventually demand accountable and credible leadership.

“One day, the people will come together to say enough is enough,” he said.

Earlier, the National Secretary of the National Democratic Congress, Ikenna Enekweizu, assured aspirants of a transparent primary election process ahead of the 2027 polls, dismissing rumours that the party had compiled a secret list of preferred candidates.

“There is absolutely no special list. Our candidates will emerge either through contested primaries or consensus after proper consultations,” he said.

Enekweizu also announced expanded affirmative action measures aimed at encouraging the participation of women, youths and persons living with disabilities in the electoral process.

According to him, women and youths between the ages of 18 and 35 will pay only 50 per cent of nomination fees, while persons living with disabilities will pay 25 per cent.

The summit also featured renewed coalition discussions between the Obidient and Kwankwasiyya Movements, as both groups agreed to work towards a consensus presidential ticket involving Obi and Kwankwaso ahead of the 2027 elections.

Supporters from both camps also pledged to jointly raise N60 million for the purchase of a joint presidential ticket. (Nigerian Tribune)

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