Former Ogun State Governor, Senator Otunba Gbenga Daniel, has urged Nigerians to prioritise competence, accountability and national interest in choosing leaders ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Daniel made the call on Friday while delivering the keynote address at the Megastar of the Decade Awards Night, warning that the country must move beyond political slogans to demand measurable results from public office holders.
He urged voters to assess candidates based on their character, track records and policy proposals, particularly their plans to tackle rising living costs, unemployment, insecurity and deficiencies in education, healthcare, electricity and infrastructure.
“Elections determine who occupies political office. But governance determines whether the people benefit from that office,” he said.
Daniel cautioned Nigerians against vote-buying, political violence, misinformation and the use of ethnic and religious sentiments to manipulate voters, stressing that citizens must take responsibility for the quality of leadership they elect.
“Our votes are among the most important instruments available to us for shaping the future of our country. We must use them wisely,” he said.
He also called on political parties and other stakeholders to uphold democratic standards, urging electoral institutions to ensure transparency, security agencies to remain impartial and the judiciary to uphold the rule of law.
The former governor charged the media to prioritise factual reporting over sensationalism, while urging the private sector to invest and create jobs and civil society organisations to strengthen accountability and civic education.
He described the 2027 elections as a test of Nigeria’s democratic maturity, saying their success should be measured not only by the outcome but also by peaceful participation, credible institutions and public confidence in the process.
Daniel also urged young Nigerians to participate actively in the democratic process, describing them as stakeholders in the country’s present and future.
Speaking about the awards ceremony, he said recognition and influence should translate into positive contributions to society, urging recipients to use their achievements to support national development.
“Our children will not judge us by the speeches we delivered or the political campaigns we attended. They will judge us by the country we leave behind,” he said.
He urged Nigerians to approach the 2027 elections with discernment and a commitment to peaceful participation, insisting that the country’s future would depend on both the leaders elected and citizens’ willingness to hold them accountable.
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