2027: Obi, Kwankwaso warn against tribalism, greed

Former Anambra State Governor, Peter Obi, and his Kano State counterpart, Rabiu Kwankwaso, on Saturday warned politicians ahead of the 2027 general elections against tribalism, greed, vote-buying and politics driven by personal ambition.

The duo, represented by former Inter-Party Advisory Council Chairman, Peter Ameh, and Kwankwaso’s 2023 Campaign Coordinator, Moshood Shittu, respectively, spoke at a one-day summit for aspirants organised by the Obidient and Kwankwasiyya Movements in Abuja.

Obi urged aspirants seeking elective offices to embrace integrity, sacrifice and people-oriented leadership, insisting that the country 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 threatens the survival of our country,” he said.

The 2023 Labour Party presidential candidate challenged aspirants to focus on practical solutions to insecurity, unemployment, inflation, poor infrastructure and healthcare challenges instead of making empty promises during campaigns.

Obi also warned politicians against tribalism and betraying voters after elections by defecting to rival political parties, describing such actions as a breach of public trust and democratic values.

“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 said the country’s worsening challenges were largely caused by leaders unwilling to make sacrifices for the country or speak honestly 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.

The Kwankwasiyya leader urged Nigerians and emerging political leaders to remain committed to justice, patriotism and national unity, expressing confidence that citizens would eventually unite to demand 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 process ahead of the 2027 elections, dismissing rumours of 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 for women, youths and persons living with disabilities, revealing that women and youths aged between 18 and 35 would pay only 50 per cent of nomination fees, while persons with disabilities would pay 25 per cent.

The summit also witnessed renewed coalition talks as the Obidient Movement and the Kwankwasiyya Movement agreed to work towards a consensus presidential ticket involving Obi and Kwankwaso ahead of the 2027 elections, with supporters of both camps pledging to jointly raise ₦60m for the purchase of a joint presidential ticket.