Obi charges Media to hold politicians accountable, ensure issue- based campaigns, not personal attacks

Former governor of Anambra State and 2027 presidential candidate of the New Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, has challenged the Nigerian media to hold politicians accountable and ensure that campaigns ahead of the 2027 general elections are centred on issues affecting Nigerians.

He made the call while addressing media executives at the 22nd All Nigeria Editors Conference (ANEC) in Enugu, where he urged journalists to intervene whenever political campaigns degenerate into name-calling and personal attacks.

He said the media should compel politicians to focus on good governance, security, unity and prosperity rather than personalities.

According to Obi, democratic elections should provide citizens with the opportunity to freely choose their leaders, stressing that political disagreements should not translate into violence or intimidation.

He cited his experience as Anambra State governor, recalling instances when opposition politicians visited the state to campaign without harassment.
On the economy and healthcare, Obi argued that greater attention should be given to public health infrastructure, particularly primary healthcare centres, dialysis facilities and cancer treatment centres.

Obi proposed that part of the savings from the removal of fuel subsidy could be redirected to healthcare. Obi put the savings at about ₦15.8 trillion, arguing that ₦1 trillion could provide standard primary healthcare centres across Nigeria’s 8,809 wards at ₦100 million each.

He also cited proposals for expanded kidney-care facilities and cancer treatment centres as areas where public investment could address major healthcare challenges.
On reports of differences between him and Anambra State Governor, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo, Obi said there was no personal rift between them, describing their relationship as close.
He also defended his financial record as former governor of Anambra, saying he inherited an $18 million debt and left $150 million in foreign currency savings at the end of his tenure.

Speaking on the 2027 elections, Obi stressed the need for free, fair and credible polls, noting that voter participation remained low in the 2023 presidential election.
He said his ambition was secondary to his desire to see Nigeria function effectively, while calling for improved leadership, food production and economic development.
Obi further urged the media to use its influence to ensure that political discourse ahead of 2027 remains focused on practical solutions to Nigeria’s challenges.