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From Fred Itua, Abuja
A chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Anselm Ijebor, has urged Nigerians to be allowed to freely choose their leaders in the 2027 general elections, warning against any attempt to manipulate the electoral process.
Ijebor, who spoke with journalists in Abuja on Sunday, expressed concern over what he described as the growing political tension ahead of the elections, urging stakeholders to focus on national security, good governance and creating a level playing field for all political actors.
He specifically called for the inclusion of Peter Obi of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) and other political leaders in the democratic process, stressing that Nigerians should have the freedom to participate without intimidation.
Ijebor described the current political atmosphere as tense, but said the support Obi received from Nigerians during the 2023 presidential election could resurface in 2027 if citizens are allowed to freely exercise their democratic rights.
He urged Nigerians to remain hopeful, saying a new era of responsible leadership could emerge through the ballot box.
According to him, Obi’s popularity and acceptance among Nigerians were demonstrated during the 2023 election when the former Anambra governor won several states despite the dominance of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) at the federal and state levels
“A similar political upset is possible in 2027 if citizens are allowed to freely exercise their democratic rights. We will not allow any electoral malpractice. The outcome of the election must reflect the true voice of Nigerians,” he said.
The PDP chieftain also described a possible Peter Obi-Rabiu Kwankwaso alliance as a strong combination for the 2027 election, noting that both former governors had records of achievements in Anambra and Kano states.
Ijebor, however, cautioned against introducing religious and ethnic sentiments into political debates, particularly regarding the APC’s decision to retain a Muslim-Muslim ticket for the 2027 election.
He said the priority should be leaders who can deliver development and improve the lives of Nigerians irrespective of religion, ethnicity or political affiliation.
“Religion and ethnicity are not issues prohibited by the Constitution from determining political choices. What Nigeria requires are leaders who can deliver the dividends of democracy,” he said.
The PDP chieftain maintained that the APC’s decision to retain Vice President Kashim Shettima as President Bola Tinubu’s running mate should not distract from issue-based political discussions.
He argued that Obi was committed to rebuilding Nigeria through issue-based politics, grassroots engagement and responsible leadership, urging opposition parties to support efforts aimed at providing Nigerians with credible alternatives.
Ijebor described Obi and Kwankwaso as experienced administrators whose records in Anambra and Kano states could serve as examples of effective governance.
He expressed confidence that both leaders would contribute to strengthening Nigeria’s democratic institutions and provide a credible opposition platform ahead of the 2027 elections.
