2027: Faduri declares presidential bid, challenges old guard

2026-02-25 - 18:07

By Luminous Jannamike ABUJA — Opposition figure, Faduri Joseph, on Wednesday declared his intention to contest the 2027 presidential election on the platform of the National Rescue Movement (NRM), presenting himself as a youth-driven alternative to Nigeria’s entrenched political elite. Speaking at the declaration event in Abuja, Faduri said his decision came after what he described as deep reflection and wide consultations, warning that the country was at a critical point. The Osun State-born aspirant said Nigeria had drifted far from the vision of its founding fathers and now required bold, people-centred leadership. “Our country is bleeding, and our nation must be rescued at this critical moment. We must admit that what we have falls far short of that vision,” he stated. Recounting his personal story, Faduri said he became an orphan at the age of 14 but remained determined to serve the country. Faduri blamed Nigeria’s current difficulties on years of corruption and poor policy choices. “Corruption has become normalised. Public funds meant for national development are diverted... yet there are no consequences,” he said. He argued that the 2027 election should mark a clean break from what he described as recycled leadership. “It is time for a shift from recycled leadership to visionary leadership. It is time to rebuild Nigeria. While the rest of the world discusses artificial intelligence and technological breakthroughs, we are still campaigning with rice, noodles, onions and ₦2,000 handouts on election day. What a tragedy,” he said. The aspirant, who noted that he supported Peter Obi ahead of the 2023 election, said the next presidential race would unfold differently. “In 2023, it was Mr Peter Obi’s turn, but in 2027 it will be a different ball game,” he said. Questioning emerging coalition talks, he urged Nigerians to look closely at the composition of political alliances. “The question is: what is the ADC? Who are the people in the ADC? They are largely the same people Mr Peter Obi campaigned against just two years ago,” he said. Faduri maintained that the coming election should focus on ordinary Nigerians rather than political power blocs. “This election... should be about the Nigerian people, the 99 per cent who have borne the brunt of these problems, especially the younger generation,” he said. Responding to concerns about political structure, he argued that widespread hardship had reshaped the political landscape. “In today’s Nigeria, the most visible structure is the structure of corruption,” he said. Faduri said his priorities, if elected, would include economic stability, education reform, improved healthcare, power sector changes, stronger security and support for local manufacturing. “If given the mandate, our government will be People First. Nation First. Nigeria is fixable... What we have lacked is sincere, courageous and people-centred leadership,” he said.