The presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) for the 2027 general election, Peter Obi, has said that the credibility of the next election will ultimately depend on the resolve of Nigerians to protect their votes, rather than the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
Obi made the remarks on Friday while speaking with journalists after attending the burial of Pa Simon Okorie Abaa, father of the NDC’s Ebonyi South senatorial candidate, Chief Linus Okorie, at Isiama Primary School in Onicha Local Government Area of Ebonyi State.
Responding to questions on preparations for the 2027 general election, the former Anambra State governor said his confidence rests in the Nigerian electorate, stressing that INEC’s actions would be shaped by the determination of citizens to demand free and fair elections.
“It is not about confidence in INEC. My confidence is in the Nigerian people because they will determine what INEC will do. If Nigerians insist that their votes must count, then their votes will count,” Obi said.
He urged citizens to reflect on the country’s current condition and the future awaiting younger generations, describing the struggle to reform Nigeria as a necessary sacrifice.
“Nigerians must ask themselves what the future holds for our children. We cannot continue on this path. Anyone advocating for change today is making the ultimate sacrifice because the country cannot continue like this,” he added.
Obi also expressed concern over the nation’s worsening economic challenges, saying rising poverty and hunger had become evident across communities.
“Every day poverty is increasing, and every day hunger is increasing. You do not need reports from the World Bank to see it—you can witness it in our villages. Reports indicate that about 70 million Nigerians are facing acute hunger. We must ask ourselves whether we can continue like this. The answer is no,” he stated.
Addressing concerns about possible intimidation of opposition supporters during the election, Obi argued that Nigerians are already enduring severe hardship due to the country’s economic situation.
“Every Nigerian is already being harassed by hunger and the worsening state of the economy. Everyone is affected. It is time for Nigerians to tell those responsible that enough is enough,” he said.
Speaking on his relationship with Linus Okorie, Obi described it as longstanding, noting that both had previously worked together in the Labour Party before joining the Nigeria Democratic Congress.
“We worked together in the Labour Party, and now we are together in the NDC. We came here today to pay our final respects to his late father. I pray that God grants him eternal rest and gives the family the strength to bear this irreplaceable loss,” Obi said.
Comments