As political activities gather momentum ahead of the 2027 general elections, the pioneer and immediate past Chairman of the Lagelu and District Society of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN), Chief (Mrs) Omokemi Oladipo (FCA), has urged politicians to focus their campaigns on security, economic stability and poverty reduction.

Oladipo said Nigerians needed leaders who would address the challenges affecting their daily lives rather than politicians engaging in personality attacks or attempting to discredit previous administrations.

The founder/Managing Director of Salvage Professionals made the call in a chat with The Guardian in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital.

She emphasised that security remained a major concern, stressing that Nigerians should be able to travel and conduct their businesses without fear of kidnapping, attacks or robbery.

According to her, politicians should also prioritise good governance and measures capable of improving the economic wellbeing of citizens.

“The focus of political campaigns in the country at this point should actually be how to ensure there is good security in the country, to ensure that our people can go anywhere they want to go without fear of being kidnapped or being attacked or robbed,” she said.

Oladipo noted that despite some indications of stability in the economy, many Nigerians were still living below the poverty line and struggling to meet basic needs.

She said the low purchasing power of citizens had made it difficult for many families to feed themselves adequately and finance the education of their children.

She therefore urged politicians to concentrate on policies that would alleviate poverty and improve the standard of living rather than resorting to political attacks.

“Politicians are expected to focus on these areas, instead of personality attacks or trying to badmouth the previous administrations before them,” she said.

On the situation in Oyo State, Oladipo said the state had remained relatively stable in terms of security and the economy.

She, however, urged the state government not to become complacent.

She said the government appeared to have become more vigilant on security and should sustain such efforts to protect residents.

According to her, the government must continue to ensure adequate security across the state.

She also stressed the need for political leaders to prioritise the welfare and security of citizens as the country approaches the 2027 elections.