SSGMM Urges Wike To Focus On Policies, Challenges Political Name-Calling Ahead Of 2027 Elections
The South-South Grassroots Mobilisation Movement (SSGMM) has called on political leaders to prioritise policy debates, verifiable records and accountability ahead of the 2027 general elections, cautioning against the use of personal attacks and derogatory labels in political discourse.
The movement made the call in response to comments by the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, who reportedly described former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar, former Rivers State Governor Rotimi Amaechi and former Anambra State Governor Peter Obi as “political gamblers” during a political gathering in Ayama, Abua/Odual Local Government Area of Rivers State, on October 16, 2026.
Wike had reportedly urged residents not to entrust their future to the three politicians ahead of the next general elections.
However, SSGMM maintained that while political leaders were entitled to express their opinions and defend the administrations they supported, public discussions about national leadership should be based on evidence, policy proposals and measurable achievements rather than name-calling.
In a statement issued through its Office of the Secretary, the movement stressed that political debate was an essential component of democracy but warned that personal attacks could distract voters from the substantive issues affecting the country.
The group argued that any allegation that a presidential candidate lacked a clear vision for Nigeria should be supported by evidence drawn from the candidate’s public record, published policy proposals, economic plans and approach to addressing the country’s challenges.
According to SSGMM, the same standard of scrutiny should apply to every political leader, irrespective of party affiliation or the administration they support.
It noted that former public officeholders seeking higher political positions should be prepared to defend their records, while the incumbent administration should equally be assessed against its promises, policy decisions and measurable outcomes.
SSGMM Raises Questions for Political Leaders
The movement urged Nigerians to look beyond political rhetoric and demand clear answers from all political actors on issues affecting their daily lives.
It identified inflation, unemployment, electricity supply, insecurity, education, healthcare and economic growth as critical areas that should dominate political discussions ahead of the 2027 elections.
The group also challenged political parties and their candidates to explain how their proposed policies would improve the living conditions of workers, traders, farmers, young people, families and small-business owners.
It questioned the basis for describing political candidates as lacking a coherent national vision without examining their documented policies and records in public office.
SSGMM further called for a comparative assessment of the achievements and shortcomings of political leaders, insisting that Nigerians deserved the opportunity to evaluate competing candidates on the strength of their ideas and demonstrable performance.
The movement maintained that political ambition alone should not be interpreted as evidence of irresponsibility, just as previous experience in public office should not automatically shield any politician from criticism.
It stressed that every candidate seeking the presidency must demonstrate a clear understanding of Nigeria’s challenges and present practical, credible and measurable solutions.
Tinubu’s Administration Also Deserves Scrutiny — SSGMM
The movement further stated that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the Federal Government should be subjected to the same level of public scrutiny as opposition politicians.
According to SSGMM, the governing administration must be assessed on its policy outcomes, implementation of campaign promises and ability to address the economic and social difficulties confronting Nigerians.
It argued that a credible democratic process requires voters to examine both the promises of those seeking power and the performance of those already exercising it.
The group warned that political discussions that focus excessively on personal rivalries risk weakening public engagement with the substantive questions of governance.
It therefore urged political leaders and their supporters to encourage issue-based campaigns that provide voters with sufficient information to make informed decisions.
South-South Deserves Development-Focused Debate
Turning to Rivers State and the wider South-South region, SSGMM said political discussions should concentrate on development priorities, including infrastructure, employment, security, economic opportunities and citizens’ welfare.
The movement emphasised that residents of the region deserved clear explanations of how competing political programmes would address local needs and contribute to national development.
It called on political parties, aspirants and their supporters to promote responsible political communication and avoid allowing insults and inflammatory exchanges to overshadow the issues that matter most to the electorate.
As the 2027 general elections approach, the organisation urged Nigerians to independently evaluate political claims, interrogate candidates’ records and demand specific commitments capable of being measured against actual results.
The movement reiterated that no political leader should be above scrutiny and no candidate should be dismissed solely through derogatory descriptions.
It maintained that Nigeria needed political leaders who could articulate their visions, defend their decisions, explain their policy choices and accept responsibility for their performance in public office.
The statement concluded that the quality of political debate would play an important role in helping Nigerians make informed choices in the forthcoming elections.
For Further Enquiries:
Organisation: South-South Grassroots Mobilisation Movement (SSGMM)
Office: Office of the Secretary
Telephone: 09043187477
Email: southsouthgrassrootsmobilisati@gmail.com
