Emmanuel Obi
Presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, has warned against intimidation and manipulation during the 2027 general elections, saying voters must be prepared to protect their votes from the polling unit to the transmission of results.
Obi said this in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, during a town hall meeting with voters tagged “Obi Talks Nigeria”, where he urged Nigerians to take responsibility for safeguarding the electoral process and resist attempts to undermine the credibility of their votes.
He argued that the relatively small number of electoral officials at polling units compared with the number of voters meant citizens could collectively ensure that votes were properly recorded, counted and protected.
“You must insist that your votes are properly recorded and counted,” Obi said, stressing that intimidation should not be allowed to determine electoral outcomes.
The former Anambra State governor also raised concerns about possible manipulation or technical problems involving the INEC Result Viewing Portal (IReV), saying his supporters would be prepared for challenges that could affect the transmission of election results.
He said voters would not accept technical difficulties being used as a reason to frustrate the electoral process.
Obi further urged Nigerians to take an active role in protecting the electoral system, warning that allowing existing weaknesses to persist would continue to undermine the country’s democracy.
His running mate, Rabiu Kwankwaso, at the same event challenged the belief that controlling a large number of states automatically translates into victory in a presidential election.
Kwankwaso cited former President Goodluck Jonathan’s defeat in the 2015 presidential election, despite being the incumbent, as evidence that control of states does not necessarily determine the outcome of a presidential contest.
The former Kano State governor also criticised the performance of some governors, particularly in northern Nigeria, saying poor governance could make it difficult for some of them to campaign effectively for their parties ahead of the 2027 election.
He urged Nigerians to carefully consider the experience and governing capacity of presidential candidates when choosing their next leader.
Kwankwaso also questioned how increased government revenues in recent years had translated into better living conditions for Nigerians, particularly amid insecurity and economic hardship.
He said insecurity remained a major concern across northern Nigeria and urged voters to make informed choices at the 2027 polls.
The NDC governorship candidate in Rivers State, Dumo Lulu-Briggs, expressed confidence in the party’s prospects, saying its candidates were prepared for the electoral contest.
He assured the party leadership of their commitment to building a Nigeria that works.
