Presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, has sounded a strong warning ahead of the 2027 general elections, urging Nigerians to turn out in large numbers and ensure their votes are protected from the polling unit to the final declaration of results.
Obi issued the charge following a fresh round of engagements with supporters, political stakeholders, residents and traders across Kogi, Benue and Enugu states.
The former Anambra State governor began the latest leg of his tour in Olamaboro Local Government Area of Kogi State, where he met with party members and stakeholders alongside the NDC’s Kogi East senatorial candidate, High Chief Peter Ameh.
The meetings focused heavily on the challenges confronting Nigerians, including insecurity, unemployment, poverty, healthcare and education.
But beyond the concerns raised by residents, Obi delivered a clear message to his supporters: turn out, vote and protect the ballot.
“We urged our supporters to remain dedicated to the democratic process, turn out in large numbers to vote, and, above all, safeguard and defend their votes from the polling unit through the final declaration of results.”
‘Don’t Be Intimidated’
Obi’s latest warning comes days after he made another forceful declaration at a town hall meeting in Port Harcourt, Rivers State.
Responding to a supporter who said Nigerians were “ready to die” to defend their mandate, Obi replied:
“Don’t be intimidated. Somebody said, ‘We are ready to die.’ Let me tell you, I’m equally ready to die. So you’re not alone.”
The statement came as Obi warned that attempts could be made to manipulate the electoral process, while insisting that Nigerians would be better prepared to protect their votes in 2027.
The former governor has repeatedly placed electoral credibility at the centre of his political message, urging voters to remain actively involved throughout the voting, counting and collation process.
From Kogi to Benue, Enugu
After Kogi, Obi moved to Otukpa in Ogbadibo Local Government Area of Benue State and later visited Obollo Afor in Enugu State.
At each stop, he said Nigerians raised remarkably similar concerns.
Security remains a major issue. So are jobs for young people, functioning hospitals, quality schools and access to the resources needed to earn a decent living.
Obi described these demands as basic expectations of citizens from government.
“These are not excessive demands. They represent the basic expectations citizens hold of a government dedicated to their welfare.”
He added that Nigeria could succeed if government was made to serve its people.
2027 Presidential Battle
Obi is seeking the presidency again after finishing third in the 2023 presidential election, when he polled 6,101,533 votes behind Atiku Abubakar and eventual winner Bola Tinubu.
Obi and the Labour Party challenged the 2023 result in court, alleging electoral irregularities. The Presidential Election Petitions Tribunal dismissed the petition in September 2023, while the Supreme Court later upheld Tinubu’s victory.
For 2027, the political landscape has shifted considerably.
Obi has moved to the NDC, which has presented him as its presidential candidate, with former Kano State governor Rabiu Kwankwaso as his running mate.
Atiku Abubakar is contesting under the African Democratic Congress (ADC), with former Rivers State governor Rotimi Amaechi as his running mate.
President Bola Tinubu is also seeking another term.
With the 2027 election approaching, Obi is now taking his message beyond campaign rhetoric and into the grassroots: show up, cast your ballot and ensure that your vote survives every stage of the electoral process.
2027: Obi Fires Up Supporters, Says Votes Must Be Defended From Polling Unit to Final Result
