Big Tent Coalition for Obi/Kwankwaso don reject one THISDAY report of October 14, 2026 wey suggest say Peter Obi, presidential candidate of Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), no dey policy debate ahead of 2027 general election. Coalition insist say Obi consistently present policy alternatives on critical national issues.
Coalition also demand say THISDAY give right of reply same front-page prominence and visibility as newspaper October 14, 2026 lead story titled, ‘2027 Presidential Poll: Atiku Brings Tinubu into Policy Debate, Obi Missing.’
For statement by Director of Media and Communications, Charles Odibo, titled, ‘Right of Reply: THISDAY’s False Narrative on Peter Obi: Nothing Could Be Further from the Truth,’ coalition describe report as misleading and inaccurate.
Coalition talk say Peter Obi, presidential candidate of Nigeria Democratic Congress and leading candidate, dey consistently, publicly and substantively at forefront of policy discussions and presentation of concrete alternatives, more than any other presidential candidate. To suggest he missing from policy debate na distortion wey do disservice to Nigerians and responsible journalism.
Coalition state say Obi consistently engage Nigerians on critical policy issues through interviews, television appearances, and other public platforms, rather than rely solely on press statements or political surrogates. Obi no dey govern by press statements or through surrogates. He speak directly to Nigerians on issues that matter.
Describing him as most interviewed presidential candidate in history of Nigeria Fourth Republic, group say he continue to offer policy alternatives and subject himself to public scrutiny.
On electricity generation and transmission, coalition say Obi repeatedly advocate increased investment in generation capacity, comprehensive reforms of transmission and distribution infrastructure, and decentralisation where necessary. His approach include creating enabling environment to attract private investment while ensuring accountability and reliability in power sector. Obi focus remain ending persistent electricity shortages and making power supply driver of production and industrialisation.
On economy, group say Obi consistently call for transition from consumption-driven economy to production-based system through investment in agriculture, manufacturing, solid minerals, and value addition. Dem list targeted incentives for productive sectors, support for small and medium-sized enterprises, and removal of structural bottlenecks wey make local production uncompetitive among proposed measures. He don repeatedly state say leadership must measure success by what nation produces, not merely what it consumes or borrows.
On insecurity, particularly in northern Nigeria, group say Obi advocate comprehensive security architecture combining intelligence-driven operations, community engagement, technology, and political will to protect lives and livelihoods. Dem maintain say farmers must be able to return safely to farmlands and resume agricultural activities, adding say insecurity no suppose remain unending political talking point while citizens continue to suffer.
Coalition also highlight Obi position on primary healthcare, saying he consistently advocate investment in primary healthcare centres, preventive care and basic health infrastructure. Dem say measures essential to improving human development outcomes, boosting productivity, reducing poverty, and strengthening access to essential services. Statement talk say these positions dey on public record. Dem no hidden. Dem no absent. Dem available for any serious journalist or citizen to examine.
Coalition also cite Obi October 11, 2026 criticism of federal government 30-day fuel price reduction at NNPC Retail stations, which he reportedly describe as reactive political optics rather than sound policy. According to group, Obi question reach and potential impact of temporary intervention, stating say approximately 900 NNPC Retail stations out of estimated 24,000 petrol stations nationwide would account for less than four per cent of outlets.
Statement say Obi question what lasting impact temporary discount of less than five per cent could have on poverty, unemployment, insecurity, or productivity. It add say he advocate broader approach to public support, extending subsidy assistance beyond petrol to agriculture, healthcare, education, and infrastructure, while prioritising policies capable of genuinely reducing cost of living.
Further faulting THISDAY presentation of policy debate, coalition say report create wrong impression that Obi don absent from discussions on country challenges, despite his repeated public interventions. It therefore demand say newspaper publish response with same prominence accorded to original report. Big Tent Coalition for Obi/Kwankwaso state, ‘We, therefore, demand that THISDAY Newspaper afford this Right of Reply the same front-page prominence and visibility that it gave to the original story. Anything less would compound the injury already done to the facts and to the integrity of the public discourse.’
Coalition urge media to ensure say political reporting reflect candidates positions accurately, stressing say Nigerians deserve informed discussions based on facts rather than selective narratives. Statement add, ‘Nigerians deserve accurate reporting. They deserve policy debate grounded in truth, not selective narratives. Peter Obi has never been missing from the issues. He has been leading on them.’
