Senator Otunba Gbenga Daniel has urged Nigerians to judge political candidates by their performance, competence and character ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Daniel spoke on Friday, while delivering the keynote address, “The Road to 2027: Citizens, Stakeholders and the Democracy We Choose,” at the Megastar of the Decade Awards Night.

He urged voters to look beyond party affiliations and campaign promises and focus on issues such as the cost of living, unemployment, insecurity, infrastructure, electricity, education and healthcare.

The senator also warned against vote-buying, political violence, misinformation and divisive ethnic or religious rhetoric.

“Citizenship is not a spectator sport. It requires participation before elections, vigilance during elections and accountability after elections,” he said.

Daniel called on political leaders, electoral institutions, security agencies, the judiciary and the media to uphold transparency, impartiality, accuracy and the rule of law.

He said the success of the 2027 elections should be measured not only by the winners, but also by citizens’ freedom to participate, peaceful competition and public confidence in democracy.

“The Nigeria we get will be shaped not only by the leaders we elect, but also by the standards we are prepared to demand and defend,” he added.