Presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, has urged Nigerians to turn out in large numbers for the 2027 general elections and ensure their votes are protected from the polling unit to the final declaration of results.
Obi made the call after a series of engagements with supporters, party stakeholders and residents across Kogi, Benue and Enugu states, where he said Nigerians repeatedly raised concerns about insecurity, unemployment, healthcare, education and poverty.
The former Anambra State governor began the latest leg of his engagements in Olamaboro Local Government Area of Kogi State, where he met party members and stakeholders alongside the NDC’s Kogi East Senatorial candidate, High Chief Peter Ameh.
He later visited Otukpa in Ogbadibo Local Government Area of Benue State and Obollo Afor in Enugu State, interacting with residents and traders along the routes.
Obi said the concerns expressed across the communities were largely the same, with Nigerians demanding safer communities, jobs for young people, functioning hospitals and schools, and better opportunities to improve their livelihoods.
“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,” Obi said.
The latest appeal comes days after Obi told supporters at a town hall meeting in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, that he was prepared to stand with Nigerians determined to protect their votes in 2027.
His comments followed a supporter’s declaration that Nigerians were prepared to “die” to defend their mandate. Obi responded that he was equally prepared to stand with them, while urging supporters not to be intimidated.
He also warned that attempts could be made to manipulate the electoral process but expressed confidence that Nigerians would be better prepared to resist such efforts.
Obi is seeking the presidency for the second consecutive election cycle after finishing third in the 2023 presidential election. He has since moved from the Labour Party to the NDC, which unveiled him as its presidential candidate in May, with former Kano State governor Rabiu Kwankwaso as his running mate.
The 2027 presidential contest is expected to feature another major battle between opposition candidates and incumbent President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who is seeking a second term. Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar is the African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential candidate, with former Rivers State governor Rotimi Amaechi as his running mate.
With the election approaching, opposition parties have intensified coalition-building and political realignment, while the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has released the timetable for the polls.
The presidential and National Assembly elections are scheduled for January 16, 2027, with governorship and State Assembly elections to follow on March 6.
