Peter Obi is ‘candidate of conscience’, media office says as 2027 campaign begins

Peter Obi is ‘candidate of conscience’, media office says as 2027 campaign begins

The Peter Obi Media Office has described the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) presidential candidate, Peter Gregory Obi, as the “Candidate of Conscience” as campaigns for the January 16, 2027 presidential election officially commence.

In a statement signed by Idris Zekeri Jnr, spokesman for the Peter Obi Media Office, on Wednesday, the group urged Nigerians to listen to Obi and assess his candidacy based on his record, ideas and character.

The statement cited Section 98(1) of the 2026 Electoral Act, saying the presidential campaign would begin on August 19, 2026, and end on January 15, 2027, one day before the election.

“Nigerians, Section 98(1) of the 2026 Electoral Act states that the presidential campaign for the January 16, 2027, presidential election will commence today, August 19, 2026, and conclude 150 days later, on January 15 2027,” the statement said.

It added: “Therefore, in the upcoming 150 days from today, presidential candidates vying for the January 16, 2027, election will engage in an intensive political campaign.”

The media office formally presented Obi, a 65-year-old former governor of Anambra State, as its “Candidate of Conscience”.

“His media office today officially introduces him to Nigerians as the Candidate of Conscience,” the statement said.

Explaining the description, the group said calling Obi a candidate of conscience was based on what it described as an “operational standard rooted in integrity, frugality, and accountability.”

“In a landscape long characterised by fiscal recklessness and transactional leadership, Obi’s public profile stands out for specific, structural reasons,” it added.

The media office said the 150-day campaign period would be significant because it would culminate in Nigerians deciding both their next president and the direction of the country.

“For us in the Peter Obi Media Office, these 150 days are crucial because they mark a journey that will culminate on January 16, 2027, when Nigerians decide not only who becomes president but also what kind of nation Nigeria will evolve into,” the statement said.

According to the group, the election should be viewed as a contest between two different visions for Nigeria.

“This campaign goes beyond a typical political contest. It is a battle between two opposing visions: a Nigeria burdened by old habits of waste, division, and broken promises, and a Nigeria driven by competence, accountability, productivity, and hope,” it said.

The statement highlighted Obi’s campaign priorities, including economic productivity, reducing the cost of governance, education, healthcare and security.

“His campaign message continues to emphasise transforming Nigeria ‘from consumption to production,’ reducing the cost of governance, strengthening education and healthcare, enhancing security, and creating opportunities for young Nigerians,” it said.

The group also sought to portray Obi as a candidate who would appeal beyond ethnic, religious and regional considerations.

“Peter Obi enters this campaign not as a champion of one tribe, one religion, or one region but as a Nigerian seeking judgement based on his record, ideas, and vision,” it said.

It added that Obi had “consistently maintained that leadership should be defined by competence, capacity, character, compassion, and commitment — not ethnicity or political entitlement.”

The statement urged voters to critically assess the promises that would be made during the campaign.

“Over the next 150 days, Nigerians will hear many promises. They will witness political rallies, campaign slogans, and passionate debates,” it said.

“Yet the most important question remains unchanged: Who possesses the integrity, discipline, and courage to rescue Nigeria from economic hardship, insecurity, unemployment, and institutional decay?”

The media office said Obi’s proposed approach would focus on rebuilding public trust and ensuring that government resources were used for the benefit of citizens.

“Peter Obi believes the answer lies in restoring trust between government and the people,” the statement said.

It added that he had “pledged to reduce the cost of governance, fight corruption through transparency, invest in productive sectors of the economy, and ensure that public resources serve the public good rather than political privilege.”

The group described the campaign as more than a contest for votes, saying it was also a call for a different approach to public leadership.

“This is more than a campaign for votes. It is a call to Nigerians who believe that public office should be an instrument of service, not personal enrichment; that leadership should unite rather than divide; and that every child, regardless of birthplace or background, deserves the opportunity to succeed,” it said.

The statement further urged voters to judge every presidential candidate by their ability to deliver a secure, prosperous and accountable country.

“From today until January 16, 2027, every speech, debate, manifesto, and campaign stop should be judged by one standard: Which candidate offers the greatest capacity to build a secure, prosperous, united, and accountable Nigeria?” it asked.

On Obi’s record in Anambra State, the media office said he had portrayed himself as a prudent manager of public resources.

“Peter Obi will not be asking Nigerians to vote for him because of his ethnicity, religion, or political connections. He asks to be judged by his record, his ideas, and his character,” the statement said.

“As governor of Anambra State, he consistently portrayed himself as a prudent manager of public resources, emphasising investments in education, healthcare, and infrastructure while advocating fiscal responsibility.”

The group maintained that political leadership should not be treated as an entitlement.

“Governance is neither a personal inheritance nor a reward for political loyalty,” it said.

“Obi’s message centres on the conviction that leadership must be earned through verifiable competence, character, and measurable outcomes.”

The statement also called on Nigerians to look beyond campaign rhetoric when evaluating candidates.

“Therefore, as campaigns commence nationwide, Nigerians should look beyond slogans and propaganda. They should scrutinise every candidate’s record, ideas, and vision,” it said.

“Democracy is strongest when citizens make informed choices based on facts rather than fear or primordial sentiment.”

The Peter Obi Media Office urged Nigerians to listen to the NDC presidential candidate as the campaign gets underway.

“We present to you the man who is willing and prepared to reset our country for a journey to greatness. He is Peter (Okwute) Gregory Obi. Listen to him,” the statement said.