The Nigerian Democratic Congress (NDC) presidential candidate, Peter Obi, and the Presidency agreed yesterday that accountability and governance should remain central to the 2027 campaign, but they differed over the role of political discourse.
Chief Tunde Rahman, Senior Special Assistant to President Bola Tinubu on Media and Special Duties, defended the President’s reforms and called for his re-election, while Obi urged Nigerians to demand greater accountability from political leaders.
Rahman argued that the government should have the opportunity to present its record and make the case for Tinubu’s re-election. Obi, however, urged Nigerian editors to reject name-calling, propaganda and personal attacks, while challenging politicians with tough questions and demanding explanations for poor public services and government spending.
Speaking at the Nigerian Guild of Editors’ (NGE) ongoing 22nd All Nigeria Editors Conference (ANEC) in Enugu, the two emphasized the significance of an independent media and an election process that counts votes.
According to Obi, the media needs to hold politicians responsible and confront them when they stray from important issues or go too far in their public appearances.
“If anybody steps out of bounds, we want you to name it,” the former Anambra State governor told the editors.
He added that he was prepared to personally respond to questions about allegations concerning his past rather than have others speak on his behalf.
“If there’s anything about me, please feel free. Call me and say, ‘Peter, people said you were a thief, or you stole when you were in secondary school, or you did not do this.’ I will explain it to you, and if it’s true, I will apologise,” he said.
“Our discussion, our campaign, everything we do is strictly based on issues that will bring good governance, harmony, unity, security and prosperity for everyone,” he said.
Rahman defends Tinubu, FG
Speaking on behalf of the Presidency, Rahman acknowledged the importance of impartial media coverage but stressed that the administration also deserved an opportunity to present its record to Nigerians.
Rahman argued that the benefits of the government’s reforms were beginning to emerge, adding that the Tinubu administration had made difficult decisions to stabilise the economy.
He said macroeconomic stability must come before citizens could feel the broader impact of the reforms. He cited the naira’s performance, economic growth, foreign reserves and inflation figures as evidence of progress.
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