A chieftain of the Labour Party (LP), Dr. Arabambi Abayomi, has claimed that many Nigerians are becoming disillusioned with politicians who make lofty promises without clear implementation plans, insisting that the electorate is now demanding honesty, accountability and demonstrable records of performance ahead of the 2027 general elections.
In a statement issued on Wednesday in Abeokuta, the Ogun State capital, the National Vice Chairman (South West) of the Labour Party reacted to recent television interviews granted by the party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi, on Channels Television and Arise Television, arguing that the interviews exposed what he described as inconsistencies in Obi’s public presentations.
Arabambi commended the television stations and their interviewers, Seun Okinbaloye and Rufai Oseni, for what he described as rigorous questioning, contending that the interviews provided Nigerians with an opportunity to assess Obi’s record in public office.
According to him, the former Anambra State governor struggled to provide convincing answers when asked about his achievements, particularly in the education sector.
The LP chieftain alleged that Obi failed to directly answer questions regarding schools built during his eight-year tenure as governor, instead referring to clearing bush at the Igbariam campus of Odumegwu Ojukwu University.
He argued that the response raised questions about the former governor’s legacy and the competence narrative that has defined his presidential ambition.
Arabambi also accused Obi of repeatedly changing the subject whenever confronted with questions about his record in office, alleging that the former presidential candidate often shifted discussions to broader national challenges such as insecurity and poverty instead of providing direct responses to questions about his administration in Anambra State.
He further alleged that Obi had made contradictory statements on electricity, claiming that while the former governor had at one point acknowledged that uninterrupted power supply could not realistically be achieved within four years, he later promised to generate, transmit and distribute 10,000 megawatts of electricity within the same period without adequately explaining how the target would be accomplished.
The Labour Party official equally questioned Obi’s explanation for not conducting local government elections throughout his tenure as governor, arguing that anyone unable to resolve governance challenges in a single state would face greater difficulties managing Nigeria’s complex political and administrative structure.
Arabambi maintained that Nigerians are no longer persuaded by campaign rhetoric alone, stressing that voters now expect politicians seeking elective office to present detailed policy roadmaps backed by evidence of previous achievements.
He argued that citizens have become weary of what he described as deceptive politics, empty promises and ambitious declarations lacking practical implementation strategies.
“I have been around Nigerian politics long enough to know that politicians often exaggerate their achievements or downplay their failures.
“Nigerians are tired of grand visions without concrete plans. They are tired of politicians who promise what they cannot deliver and are increasingly demanding honesty, competence and accountability from anyone seeking to lead the country.”
The LP South-West vice chairman consequently urged Obi to reconsider his participation in the 2027 presidential race, insisting that the former presidential candidate should withdraw to avoid what he described as further political embarrassment.
He argued that aspirants seeking Nigeria’s highest office must be prepared to answer critical questions about their records, policy proposals and implementation strategies, adding that the electorate is increasingly unwilling to accept what he termed “deceitful politics” in place of measurable performance.
