2027: Otubanjo Challenges Politicians to Sell Solutions, Not Rhetoric
As political activities gather momentum ahead of the 2027 general elections, a political researcher and technocrat, Professor Olufemi Otubanjo, has challenged presidential contenders to move beyond personality politics and present Nigerians with practical solutions to the country’s mounting challenges.
Otubanjo, a Research Professor and political analyst at the Nigerian Institute of International Affairs, NIIA, Lagos, made the call during an interactive session with journalists at the institute.
His intervention comes amid growing political calculations ahead of the 2027 elections, with major political actors already positioning themselves for the contest.
Reacting to criticisms of his earlier interview, Otubanjo urged the three frontline presidential aspirants to develop effective strategies for communicating their party manifestos and policies to voters.
He said Nigerians deserve campaigns that enable them to compare ideas, programmes and the capacity of candidates to deliver, rather than campaigns dominated by personalities and political intrigues.
According to him, political campaigns should focus on clear and workable responses to the socio-economic problems confronting the country.
Otubanjo acknowledged that the incumbent administration has certain political advantages, including the influence of incumbency and the number of state governors elected on the platform of the President’s party.
He, however, cautioned that political advantage does not automatically translate into effective governance.
The political analyst also warned Nigerians against confusing eloquence with competence, stressing that the ability to deliver powerful speeches should not be mistaken for the capacity to govern effectively.
He urged voters to look beyond campaign rhetoric and assess the credibility, integrity, competence and track record of presidential candidates.
For Otubanjo, the real test of the 2027 election should be whether political parties and their candidates can convince Nigerians that they understand the country’s problems and have credible strategies for solving them.
He therefore called for an issue-driven campaign season where candidates are subjected to serious scrutiny on the economy, security, employment, infrastructure and other challenges affecting ordinary Nigerians.
The professor’s position places the responsibility not only on politicians but also on voters to demand substance from those seeking their mandate.
With the 2027 political contest gradually taking shape, Otubanjo’s message is that Nigerians should not simply ask who can win the election, but who has the credibility, competence and record to govern effectively after winning it.
By Kalu Moses
