Peter Obi, presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress, NDC, has said he is prepared to defend his vote in the 2027 general election, urging Nigerians not to allow anyone to intimidate them at polling stations.
Obi made the statement on Thursday during a town hall meeting in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, where he called on voters to remain firm and ensure that their votes are properly recorded and counted.
The former Anambra State governor warned the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, against any attempt to manipulate election results. He said Nigerians must be able to participate in the election without fear and should collectively protect the integrity of the voting process.
Obi argued that voters would be in a stronger position to resist intimidation if they remained united at polling units. He noted that polling stations usually have only a few officials serving a larger number of voters, making it possible for citizens to stand together against attempts to influence their choices.
He urged Nigerians to take responsibility for protecting the electoral process rather than leaving the task entirely to government agencies. According to him, citizens must work together to ensure that the 2027 election reflects the choices made by voters.
The NDC candidate also raised concerns about the electronic transmission of election results through the INEC Result Viewing Portal, IReV. He warned that attempts could be made to interfere with the system and said adequate measures should be put in place to prevent such problems.
Obi called for stronger communication systems and reliable technology during the election, particularly in areas where poor network coverage could affect the transmission of results.
He said technical problems should not be allowed to create opportunities for election results to be altered or delayed. He also suggested that alternative network arrangements should be available in places where existing infrastructure may fail.
According to Obi, weaknesses in the electoral system can have lasting effects on the country because problems during elections can determine who eventually takes control of government.
He therefore encouraged Nigerians to stay involved throughout the voting and result-transmission process in 2027. He said citizens should not surrender their rights because of fear, intimidation or concerns about possible interference.
The former presidential candidate maintained that the 2027 election provides an opportunity for Nigerians to take a more active role in defending their votes and demanding a transparent electoral process.
He also urged INEC to ensure that its systems are properly tested and protected before election day, saying voters deserve an election where their choices are accurately captured and reflected in the final results.