2027: Peter Obi Challenges Tinubu, Other Presidential Hopefuls to Defend Their Records

By Spotlight African Reporters | August 22, 2026

Former Anambra State Governor and 2027 presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has challenged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and other presidential hopefuls to come before Nigerians, defend their records and subject their programmes to public scrutiny.

Obi made the call on Friday during a press conference marking the commencement of the 2027 presidential and National Assembly campaign season.

According to him, Nigerians deserve to hear directly from those seeking to lead the country rather than having candidates rely on proxies and political surrogates during the campaign.

“Every candidate seeking the presidency must have the courage to come before the people, answer their questions, defend their records, and subject their vision to public scrutiny,” Obi said.

The former governor stressed that the 2027 election would provide Nigerians with an opportunity to assess the competence, character, capacity and policy proposals of presidential candidates.

Obi also argued that effective leadership requires candidates to maintain direct contact with citizens, particularly communities affected by insecurity, terrorism, banditry, criminality and flooding.

He said he and his running mate, Rabiu Kwankwaso, would personally engage Nigerians across the country to listen to their concerns and explain their plans for the nation.

The challenge comes as the 2027 presidential race gathers momentum, with President Tinubu seeking another term and several opposition figures positioning themselves to challenge the incumbent.

As campaigns intensify, the demand for candidates to publicly account for their past records and clearly explain their policy programmes is expected to become a major issue in the race.

Spotlight African Reporters will continue to bring you verified updates and major developments ahead of the 2027 presidential election.