As Nigeria prepares for the 2027 general elections, Chairman and Editor-in-Chief of THISDAY Media Group and ARISE News Channel, Nduka Obaigbena, has urged political leaders and candidates to make policy issues the centre of their campaigns rather than relying on smear campaigns.
Obaigbena said Nigerians deserve an election season focused on practical solutions to the country’s economic, security and governance challenges.
Speaking on the 2027 elections, he challenged political candidates to clearly explain their positions on major national issues, including fuel subsidies, exchange-rate management, taxation and insecurity.
He asked whether Nigeria should retain subsidies or remove them, and whether the country should return to a command-and-control exchange-rate system or continue allowing market forces to determine exchange rates.
Obaigbena also questioned how proposed tax reforms could be structured to reduce inequality and bridge the gap between the rich and poor.
On security, he called for serious debate over measures to tackle insecurity, including whether the establishment of state police would provide an effective solution.
According to him, the 2027 contest should give Nigerians an opportunity to assess competing ideas and policies that directly affect their daily lives.
“Our future should be debated by candidates who are willing to run on policies,” Obaigbena said.
He further urged political actors to “domesticate this contest in Nigeria” by prioritising issues that affect Nigerians instead of allowing campaigns to be dominated by personal attacks and character assassination.
Obaigbena’s comments come as political activities ahead of the 2027 elections continue to gather momentum, with major political actors positioning themselves and debates over the country’s economic and security direction expected to intensify.
He maintained that a policy-driven campaign would enable voters to make more informed decisions about the candidates seeking their support in 2027.
