2027: Peter Obi Tells Nigerians They Hold the Key to Credible Elections

The presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) for the 2027 general election, Peter Obi, has called on Nigerians to take responsibility for protecting the integrity of the electoral process, saying the success of future elections depends largely on the determination of the electorate.

He made the remarks on Friday while speaking with journalists after attending the burial of the late Pa Simon Okorie Abaa, father of NDC Ebonyi South senatorial candidate, Chief Linus Okorie, in Onicha Local Government Area of Ebonyi State.

Obi said credible elections would not depend solely on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), but on the willingness of Nigerians to defend their votes. According to him, the actions of the electoral body would be shaped by the resolve of the people to insist that every valid vote is counted and respected.

Speaking on the country’s political situation ahead of the 2027 elections, the former Anambra State governor urged citizens to reflect on the current state of the nation and consider the future they want for the next generation. He said those pushing for positive change were making difficult sacrifices because Nigeria could not continue on its present path.

Obi also expressed concern over the country’s economic challenges, saying many Nigerians were struggling with rising poverty and hunger. He noted that the worsening living conditions were visible in communities across the country and called for urgent efforts to address the situation.

On concerns that opposition supporters could face intimidation during the elections, Obi said Nigerians were already dealing with hardship caused by the country’s economic conditions. He maintained that the difficulties facing citizens had affected people across different parts of the country and urged Nigerians to stand together in demanding better governance.

The former governor also spoke about his relationship with Linus Okorie, describing it as one built over many years. He recalled that they had previously worked together in the Labour Party before moving to the Nigeria Democratic Congress.

Obi explained that his visit to Ebonyi was to honour the memory of the late Pa Simon Okorie Abaa and support the bereaved family during the burial. He prayed for the peaceful repose of the deceased and asked God to grant the family the strength to bear the loss.