2027: Peter Obi Challenges Rivals to Debate Without Political Proxies

Former Anambra State governor and 2027 presidential contender, Peter Obi, has challenged other presidential candidates to stop using political surrogates and engage their opponents directly.

Obi made the position known through a statement issued on Monday by the spokesperson of the Peter Obi Media Office, Idris Zekeri Jnr.

The statement said Obi would no longer respond to attacks, insinuations or provocations from political surrogates acting on behalf of presidential candidates.

According to the media office, some candidates have relied on surrogates to make accusations and controversial claims while avoiding direct confrontation with their opponents.

It argued that the 2027 presidential contest should focus on the individuals whose names will appear on the ballot.

The office said Obi was ready to defend his record, explain his policies and discuss his ideas directly with Nigerians.

It therefore challenged other presidential contenders to show the same courage by speaking for themselves and answering questions about their records and policies.

“Defend your record. Explain your policies. Address the concerns Nigerians have. Debate your fellow candidates,” the statement said.

The media office described the use of surrogates as a politically convenient strategy that allows candidates to distance themselves from controversial statements made in their names.

It said Nigerians deserved better than what it described as “remote-controlled presidential politics.”

The statement also made clear that Obi would engage candidates directly where there were disagreements over policies or records.

“If a presidential candidate has an issue with Mr Obi, let that candidate speak directly,” it said.

The office added that anyone challenging Obi’s record should also be prepared to present their own record for public scrutiny.

It maintained that the 2027 election would ultimately be decided by Nigerian voters rather than political surrogates.

According to the statement, Obi’s campaign would remain focused on the concerns of Nigerians, including their hardships and aspirations.

The media office said Obi would continue to engage with citizens while concentrating on what it described as the urgent task of rescuing the country from failures of leadership.

It declared that the era of responding to political attacks through surrogates had ended.

“If your name is on the ballot, Peter Obi will engage with you. If you are not on the ballot, Peter Obi has no reason to engage with you,” the statement said.

The office urged presidential candidates to come forward, defend their records and engage one another directly as the country moves towards the 2027 election.