Peter Obi and his running mate, Rabiu Kwankwaso, have raised fresh concerns over Nigeria’s worsening hardship and insecurity, urging citizens to use their votes to determine the country’s direction in the 2027 general election.
The presidential candidates of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) spoke in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, during the Port Harcourt session of the Obi Talks Nigeria town hall series. The event featured a question-and-answer session and direct interaction between the candidates and participants.
Obi said Nigerians must take the 2027 election seriously and ensure that their votes are used to demand better leadership. He also declared his willingness to make what he described as the ultimate sacrifice for the country.
“I can die for Nigeria,” Obi said, while calling on citizens to ensure that “the right thing” is done.
The NDC presidential candidate also criticised what he described as repeated threats from the ruling party. He argued that politicians seeking to govern Nigeria should engage directly with citizens rather than remain distant from the people.
“Let whoever wants to do anything come out and speak to us,” Obi said, stressing the need for political leaders to face Nigerians and explain their plans.
Kwankwaso, meanwhile, said frustration with the state of the country has spread across different parts of Nigeria. He linked the growing anger to economic hardship and what he described as poor governance, saying many Nigerians are struggling to meet basic needs.
“People are hungry. People have no purchasing power. Their children cannot go to school,” Kwankwaso said, adding that he had not even addressed the difficulties Nigerians face in accessing healthcare.
The former Kano State governor also pointed to deteriorating infrastructure and insecurity, with particular concern about the situation in Northern Nigeria. He said poor roads and insecurity were adding to the difficulties facing citizens, while accusing authorities of appearing unconcerned as people are killed.
Rivers State NDC governorship candidate, Dumo Lulu-Briggs, also urged Nigerians to pay close attention to the 2027 election. The speakers stressed that citizens, through their votes, have the power to influence the direction of the country.
The Port Harcourt event forms part of the Obi Talks Nigeria series, under which Obi and his team are engaging Nigerians across different states ahead of the 2027 general election. The town halls are designed to provide direct interaction with citizens and give the candidates an opportunity to discuss their political agenda.
