Peter Akah, New Democratic Congress (NDC) House of Representatives candidate for Ogoja/Yala Federal Constituency, has called on Nigeria’s opposition parties to unite behind Peter Obi ahead of the 2027 presidential election.
Peter made the call during an interview on Naija Unfiltered, a Symfoni TV programme, where he assessed the recent presidential candidates’ engagement at the Nigerian Bar Association conference in Port Harcourt.
Akah said the NBA conference provided an important opportunity for presidential candidates to explain their plans for Nigeria at a time when the country is facing serious economic, security and developmental challenges.
According to the activist, Obi distinguished himself during the engagement because he focused on Nigeria’s problems and proposed solutions rather than spending most of his time attacking political opponents.
He also defended Obi’s performance as governor of Anambra State, particularly against criticism over strikes involving medical workers and lecturers during his administration.
Akah argued that the prolonged strikes should be viewed within the context of the condition of the state’s health and education sectors at the time Obi assumed office.
He said Obi subsequently invested in healthcare, education, infrastructure and other sectors, adding that his administration should be judged by measurable outcomes rather than isolated controversies.
Peter Akah defends Obi’s fiscal prudence
Peter Akah also defended Obi’s policy of saving public funds while serving as Anambra governor.
He rejected the argument that government resources should always be spent immediately, saying fiscal savings could provide long-term protection for citizens and future generations.
Akah maintained that Obi did not merely save money but also invested in education, healthcare, infrastructure, agriculture and support for businesses.
He cited Obi’s approach as an example of what he described as responsible public financial management.
On the economy, Akah strongly endorsed Obi’s proposal to move Nigeria from a consumption-driven economy to a production-based economy.
He argued that Nigeria’s heavy dependence on imported goods has weakened domestic production, employment opportunities and the country’s capacity to generate foreign exchange.
According to him, government’s responsibility should be to create an enabling environment where farmers, manufacturers, entrepreneurs and local industries can thrive.
Aka also criticised the Federal Government’s handling of fuel subsidy removal.
He argued that while subsidy removal may have been necessary, Nigerians should be able to identify the financial savings generated by the policy and see measurable improvements in critical sectors such as healthcare, electricity, roads and education.
He demanded greater transparency and accountability in the management of funds saved from subsidy removal.
On insecurity, Aka supported a human-centred approach that combines effective law enforcement with investments in education, employment and poverty reduction.
He argued that the large population of out-of-school children, particularly in northern Nigeria, could create a pool of vulnerable young people susceptible to recruitment by criminal and extremist groups.
Akah also backed community policing as part of a broader security framework, while stressing the importance of strengthening Nigeria’s conventional security institutions.
On the 2027 election, Akah expressed support for an opposition coalition but warned that such a coalition must be based on a clear commitment to good governance.
He said opposition parties should not simply seek to replace one political establishment with another.
Akah maintained that politicians must be willing to make personal sacrifices in the interest of the country and argued that Obi had the competence, character and capacity required to lead Nigeria.
He expressed confidence that Obi could win the 2027 presidential election if Nigerians were able to protect their votes and the electoral process was free and credible.
