By Ephraim Emmanuel
As political parties and candidates gear up for the 2027 general elections following the official campaign kickoff by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), political actors have been advised to focus on realistic, issue-based manifestos rather than character assassination.
The call was made by Professor Ken Nweke, a lecturer in the Department of Political Science at the Ignatius Ajuru University of Education (IAUE), Rumuolumeni, Port Harcourt.
Speaking on the commencement of political campaigns, Prof. Nweke urged candidates to present clear plans that will enable voters to make informed choices at the polls. He emphasized that the 2027 elections offer citizens a vital opportunity to evaluate incumbents and hold them accountable for their previous campaign promises.
Reacting to comments attributed to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike—who alleged that the Federal Government could have secured victory in the Osun State governorship election if it had truly wanted to—the political scientist strongly disagreed.
Prof. Nweke commended the electorate in Osun State for actively defending their votes throughout the electoral process, urging voters in Rivers State and across the country to adopt a similar stance.
“For me, the people of Osun State have spoken, and the rest is history. It should be a model for every state to emulate—from the polling unit to the ward, local government, and state levels,” Nweke stated.
“It is not about one man. Even if the presidency had deployed all its arsenals, 16 governors, political leaders, and the Senate President, whoever was there would not have made any significant difference,” he added.
He concluded that true power resides with the electorate when they remain vigilant and steadfast in safeguarding their democratic choices.
