The Nigerian Advocacy for Good Governance Alliance (NAGA-Diaspora) has urged Nigerians to focus on the policy positions, records and consistency of presidential candidates ahead of the 2027 general elections.

In a statement by its Global Coordinator, Tope Adesipo, and Secretary, Ajede Oluwaseun, the group said voters should carefully examine candidates’ positions on economic policies, particularly those relating to petrol subsidy and foreign exchange.

NAGA said the removal of petrol subsidy and the devaluation of the naira had contributed significantly to the current cost-of-living pressures facing Nigerians.

The group argued that President Bola Tinubu and Peter Obi had, at various times, supported positions associated with the two economic measures, while former Vice President Atiku Abubakar had proposed a different approach, including a targeted subsidy as part of measures to reduce pressure on households.

NAGA said Nigerians should therefore seek clarity from presidential candidates on how their economic policies would address inflation, household costs, production and fiscal stability.

It also cautioned against changes in campaign positions without clear explanations, urging voters to examine candidates’ records and the evolution of their policies.

“A change of language is not a change of record,” the group said, urging Nigerians to determine whether proposed policy shifts represented substantive alternatives or changes in campaign messaging.

The organisation called on civil society groups, youth organisations, professional bodies and registered voters to demand clear answers from candidates on their past positions and proposed alternatives.

It posed three questions for voters to consider: who supported the policies associated with the current economic pressures; who had a documented alternative, including on subsidies; and whether proposed alternatives would remain in place after the election.

NAGA said the 2027 election should be centred on policy, accountability and workable economic programmes rather than personalities or campaign rhetoric.

The group added that voters should assess candidates based on their records and positions over time, particularly on policies that have significant implications for the economy and living standards.

NAGA-Diaspora said it remained committed to promoting good governance, accountability and purposeful leadership, while calling for an issues-based electoral campaign ahead of the 2027 polls.