The presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, has called on politicians to shift their attention from personal attacks against him and instead concentrate on addressing Nigeria’s pressing challenges, including poverty, hunger and insecurity.
Obi made the remarks during an interview on Channels Television’s Sunday Politics, where he expressed concern that political discourse has become increasingly centred on personalities rather than the issues affecting millions of Nigerians.
According to the former Anambra State governor, the country’s worsening socio-economic conditions deserve greater attention than political name-calling or attacks directed at opposition figures.
“Calling me names doesn’t make me feel anything. But they are abandoning issues we are supposed to discuss and discussing what I think is irrelevant,” Obi said.
He argued that political leaders should be engaging Nigerians on solutions to the country’s economic and security challenges, rather than making him the focus of public debate.
Obi cited rising poverty, hunger and insecurity as some of the critical issues requiring urgent national attention, noting that millions of Nigerians continue to face severe hardship. He referenced warnings by international development institutions about worsening living conditions and food insecurity in parts of the country.
The NDC presidential candidate maintained that issue-based politics would better serve the country’s democratic process, urging public office holders and political actors to focus on policies capable of improving citizens’ welfare.
His comments come amid heightened political activity ahead of the 2027 general election, with major political parties and aspirants increasingly articulating their positions on governance, economic reforms and national security.
Obi has consistently criticised the Federal Government’s handling of the economy and security, while insisting that his campaign is centred on offering practical solutions to Nigeria’s challenges rather than engaging in personal political disputes.
