Obi, Kwankwaso caution NDC aspirants against vote-buying

Former Anambra State Governor Peter Obi and former Kano State Governor Rabiu Kwankwaso on Saturday, May 16, 2026, warned aspirants of the National Democratic Congress, NDC, against greed, vote-buying and self-serving politics during a summit held in Abuja ahead of the 2027 general elections in Nigeria.

The two political figures spoke through their representatives at the one-day gathering organised by the Obidient and Kwankwasiyya movements for aspirants preparing to contest elective offices under the NDC platform.

Peter Obi, represented by former Inter-Party Advisory Council Chairman Peter Ameh, urged aspirants to focus on integrity, sacrifice and service to the people instead of personal gain. He said Nigeria needs leaders who are prepared to solve the country’s growing challenges rather than politicians interested only in power and wealth.

He also called on those seeking office to provide workable ideas on insecurity, unemployment, inflation, poor infrastructure and healthcare problems instead of relying on empty campaign promises. Obi further warned against tribal politics and criticised politicians who defect to other parties after winning elections, saying such actions weaken public trust in democracy.

Kwankwaso, who was represented by his 2023 campaign coordinator Moshood Shittu, said many of Nigeria’s problems are connected to a lack of committed leadership and sacrifice among political office holders. He urged aspiring leaders and citizens to remain loyal to justice, patriotism and national unity while working towards better leadership in the country.

The summit also featured discussions on the party’s plans for the 2027 elections. National Secretary of the NDC, Ikenna Enekweizu, assured aspirants that the party would conduct transparent primaries and denied claims that there was already a hidden list of preferred candidates.

He explained that candidates would emerge either through elections or consensus after consultations within the party. Enekweizu also announced special arrangements for women, youths and persons living with disabilities seeking elective positions. According to him, women and youths between 18 and 35 years will pay half of the nomination fees, while persons with disabilities will pay only 25 per cent.

The meeting also opened fresh talks between the Obidient and Kwankwasiyya movements over possible cooperation ahead of the 2027 presidential election.

Supporters from both groups agreed to work towards a joint presidential ticket involving Obi and Kwankwaso while also planning to raise funds for the purchase of a combined presidential nomination form.