**2027 Elections: A Call for Issue-Based Politics** As Nigeria inches closer to the 2027 general elections, a renowned lawyer and former NBA President, Dr. Olisa Agbakoba, has sounded a warning to opposition politicians. He has urged them to shift focus from petty allegations and defections to policy-driven engagement with the people. Agbakoba believes that Nigerians must demand more from their politicians. In a recent press conference in Lagos, he stressed that the country needs issue-based campaigns, rather than the negative politicking that has become the norm. "We need to see serious policy discussions, just like former US President Barack Obama did," he said, drawing a comparison with a global leader who successfully inspired the people with a vision. The senior advocate is not impressed with the quality of politicking in Nigeria. He feels that opposition politicians are more interested in playing the blame game, pointing fingers at INEC or the judiciary, rather than engaging with the people and presenting a clear plan for the country's future. "It's like football, where players who haven't scored a goal start blaming the referee," he analogized. Agbakoba has also called for electoral reforms to strengthen the credibility of the 2027 polls. He urged the National Assembly to pass a new Electoral Act that mandates real-time electronic transmission of results. "This will remove ambiguities and close loopholes exploited to undermine the people's will," he explained. Furthermore, he renewed his call for an electoral offences commission, warning that impunity fuels electoral fraud. "The President must decisively address electoral reforms to strengthen the credibility of the 2027 polls," he emphasized. The implications of Agbakoba's words are significant for Nigeria's democratic journey. If opposition politicians fail to adapt to issue-based politics and push for electoral reforms, the country risks perpetuating disputed elections, prolonged litigation, and damaged democratic credibility. The 2027 elections present a critical opportunity for Nigerians to demand change and hold their leaders accountable.