Ahead of the 2027 general elections, major socio-political groups have called for a closer examination of the backgrounds and records of politicians seeking to become Nigeria’s next president.
The Arewa Consultative Forum, ACF, Pan Niger Delta Forum, PANDEF, and Middle Belt Forum, MBF, said voters should have access to relevant information about candidates, including their education, previous positions, achievements, character and public records.
The groups made their positions known on Wednesday while reacting to growing calls for greater transparency among political candidates ahead of the 2027 elections.
The ACF led the call, arguing that anyone seeking to occupy the highest political office in Nigeria should be ready to explain his or her history to the public.
The forum said checking a candidate’s past should not be limited to verifying academic certificates. It should also cover the consistency of the person’s life story, previous responsibilities, conduct in public office and record of service.
According to the ACF, Nigerians need enough information about those asking for their votes because the decisions made by the president affect the lives and welfare of millions of citizens.
The forum also pointed to the importance of good governance, saying voters are more concerned about issues such as healthcare, education, housing, transport, security and the ability of families to meet their daily needs.
PANDEF backed the position, saying it was reasonable for people seeking public office to make their life history available to citizens.
The organisation compared political contests to job applications, where applicants are expected to provide details about their education, experience and previous work. It said voters should similarly be able to examine what presidential candidates have done before deciding whether to entrust them with national leadership.
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PANDEF said a candidate’s past could help Nigerians understand both the person’s strengths and weaknesses and assess whether the individual has the experience needed for the office being sought.
The Middle Belt Forum also supported the call, saying presidential aspirants should be judged by their records rather than campaign promises alone.
The forum said candidates should be able to point to previous achievements and show how their experience could translate into better governance if elected.
It added that proper checks would give voters the opportunity to make better-informed choices and reduce the chances of electing people whose abilities or records are not well known to the public.
However, Afenifere introduced a different perspective to the debate, agreeing that examining candidates’ backgrounds could be useful but warning that moral judgments could differ from one person to another.
The pan-Yoruba group said questions about a politician’s character could be influenced by personal views and competing interests, while legal qualifications are determined by the Constitution and other laws.
Afenifere therefore argued that while voters could examine the personal and political histories of candidates, the final determination of eligibility for public office must remain within the legal framework.
The group noted that disputes over legal qualifications can be resolved through established constitutional and judicial processes, unlike disagreements based mainly on personal or moral judgments.
The debate comes as political parties and presidential aspirants step up preparations for the 2027 election. With several major political figures expected to seek the presidency, the groups said Nigerians should have sufficient information about the candidates before casting their votes.
The organisations agreed that voters should not rely only on campaign promises but should also examine the records, experience and previous conduct of those seeking to lead the country.
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