Presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, has called for a credible 2027 general election, insisting that the votes of Nigerians must be counted and their electoral choices respected.
Obi made the call during an NDC town hall meeting in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, where he engaged voters alongside the party’s vice-presidential candidate, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso.
The former Anambra State governor criticised political practices that, according to him, undermine citizens’ participation in elections. He also questioned the practice of political candidates relying heavily on intermediaries instead of directly engaging with voters.
“Leadership cannot be outsourced. If you want to lead, you have to answer to the people,” Obi said, adding that he and Kwankwaso would continue to engage Nigerians directly as the 2027 election approaches.
He further warned against attempts to manipulate the electoral process and urged Nigerians to actively defend their votes. “Our votes this time must count,” he said, while stressing that intimidation and threats should not determine electoral outcomes.
Obi’s comments are significant as political parties and candidates intensify preparations for the 2027 presidential election. The emphasis on vote protection also places electoral credibility, voter participation and respect for the popular mandate at the centre of the emerging campaign discourse.
The NDC candidate particularly urged Rivers State residents to participate massively in the election and ensure their votes are counted. He said the state could set an example for free, fair and credible elections in 2027.
Obi also linked his political agenda to broader concerns about Nigeria’s development, identifying education, healthcare and poverty reduction as areas he would prioritise if elected.
The 2027 election is expected to attract significant political competition, with major parties and opposition groups already mobilising supporters nationwide. Against this backdrop, calls for transparent voting, credible counting and peaceful participation are likely to remain major issues in the political debate ahead of the polls.
