Obi urges editors to examine politicians’ records before elections

Presidential candidate Peter Obi has urged Nigerian editors to examine the qualifications and past records of politicians seeking public office. He said the media should provide voters with the information needed to make informed electoral decisions. Obi made the call in a statement posted on his X account on Saturday, after attending the 22nd All Nigeria Editors Conference in Enugu State on Friday.

The conference was organised by the Nigerian Guild of Editors under the theme “The Ballot, The Media and the Task of Keeping Democracy Alive.” The former Anambra State governor said editors had a responsibility to hold politicians accountable and demand excellence from those seeking office. He urged them to investigate candidates’ records and expose past wrongdoing. Obi also said leaders should demonstrate the values expected in wider society.

He described editors as important safeguards for democracy and called on them to strengthen their role in examining the conduct and claims of political contestants. The presidential candidate said the conference gave him an opportunity to engage participants during a question-and-answer session. He said discussions focused on the condition of Nigeria’s democracy and the media’s role in protecting it.

Obi thanked the Nigerian Guild of Editors for inviting him and wished the organisers success. His appeal comes as political parties and prospective candidates prepare for future electoral contests, although his statement did not identify particular politicians or announce any new political initiative. He ended the statement by repeating his belief that a “New Nigeria” was possible and expressing confidence that the country would be well.