Former Secretary to the Government of the Federation and chieftain of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Babachir Lawal, has criticised the campaign styles of Labour Party’s Peter Obi and New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) leader Rabiu Kwankwaso, urging them to focus more on concrete policy issues.
Lawal, who spoke on Arise TV, said he had personally met with both politicians and advised them to move beyond rallies and public appearances by articulating clear solutions to challenges facing the country, particularly in Northern Nigeria.
According to him, political gatherings involving the two politicians often generate large crowds but fail to sufficiently address substantive issues.
He said Kwankwaso’s supporters often turn out in large numbers wearing red caps, singing and dancing, while Obi’s appearances also attract significant attention without enough emphasis on policy discussions.
Lawal said:
“I sat down with Obi and Kwankwaso and told them that when they go to meet their crowds, they don’t sell much. Kwankwaso just gathers millions of red caps. They dance, sing, and he waves his hands. I don’t hear anything. Peter Obi does the same thing.”
He also criticised what he described as Obi’s appearances at church events, claiming that the former Anambra State governor sometimes attracts more attention than the occasion itself.
“Only the corpse will still be quiet,” Lawal said, while describing the reaction to Obi’s presence at a church funeral.
Instead of concentrating primarily on rallies and public appearances, Lawal said politicians should engage voters on developmental projects and economic opportunities.
He specifically cited the rehabilitation of dams in Northern Nigeria, the extraction of oil from the Kolmani River field in Bauchi State, the possibility of using the resources to support the development of a refinery, and the completion of the Mambilla Hydropower Project.
Lawal said such projects could provide concrete development outcomes for communities and the wider Nigerian economy.
