Peter Obi, the presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), has announced that he will no longer engage in verbal exchanges with political figures acting as surrogates for other presidential contenders ahead of the 2027 general election.
Obi said his attention would henceforth be reserved for candidates who will directly contest the presidential election and whose names are officially listed on the ballot.
The development was disclosed in a statement released by the Peter Obi Media Office and endorsed by its spokesperson, Idris Zekeri Jnr.
According to the statement, Obi would not be responding to accusations, attacks or attempts at provocation coming from individuals allegedly speaking on behalf of presidential hopefuls.
The media office accused some political representatives of making controversial claims and spreading what it described as false information in an effort to generate publicity for the politicians they support.
It noted that such individuals may consider it an achievement whenever they succeed in drawing Obi into a public confrontation, but maintained that the former Anambra State governor would no longer participate in such exchanges.
The office stressed that the 2027 presidential contest should centre on the actual contenders seeking Nigerians’ votes rather than their supporters, spokespersons or political representatives.
It argued that those aspiring to lead the country should be willing to personally explain their achievements, policies and vision instead of relying on others to defend them or attack their opponents.
The statement said Obi remained ready to account for his record and present his ideas directly to Nigerians, adding that he expected other presidential contenders to demonstrate the same level of openness.
The former Anambra governor also challenged his fellow candidates to publicly discuss their performances, plans and proposed solutions to the country’s challenges.
The media office said Obi had consistently advocated for direct engagement between presidential candidates and the electorate. It recalled that, during the launch of his 2027 campaign in August, he urged his fellow contenders to make their records available for public assessment and explain how they intended to address Nigeria’s problems.
Obi had also criticised the practice of candidates operating through political surrogates, insisting that individuals seeking the highest office in the country should be capable of answering questions and defending their positions themselves.
The statement described the use of surrogates as a convenient strategy that allows politicians to distance themselves from controversial remarks while their representatives attack opponents.
However, the Obi Media Office maintained that Nigerians deserve a presidential campaign focused on substantive issues rather than personal attacks and proxy battles.
It therefore declared that any presidential candidate with concerns about Obi should address them directly. Similarly, disagreements over policies or records, according to the office, should be settled through open discussion and debate among the candidates.
The media team further stated that Obi would remain focused on issues affecting ordinary Nigerians, including economic hardship, poor leadership and the aspirations of citizens.
It reiterated that the former governor would continue engaging Nigerians and discussing what it described as the urgent need to transform the country.
The statement concluded by urging presidential contenders to leave their surrogates behind and personally participate in the political conversation.
It maintained that the 2027 election would ultimately be determined by Nigerian voters and not by the loudest political representatives.
The office declared that Obi would respond to any candidate whose name appears on the ballot but would not engage individuals who are not directly contesting the presidency.
