The presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) for the 2027 general election, Peter Obi, has urged Nigerians to recognise that the credibility of future elections depends largely on the determination of citizens to protect their votes rather than relying solely on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
Speaking after attending a funeral service in Ebonyi State on Friday, Obi maintained that electoral integrity would only be achieved when Nigerians collectively insist that every legitimate vote is counted.
Funeral Visit Brings Together Longtime Political Allies
Obi made the remarks after participating in the burial ceremony of the late Pa Simon Okorie Abaa, father of the NDC’s Ebonyi South senatorial candidate, Chief Linus Okorie.
The service took place at Isiama Primary School in Onicha Igboeze, located in Onicha Local Government Area of Ebonyi State.
Reflecting on his relationship with Linus Okorie, Obi said the two have shared a long political journey, having previously worked together in the Labour Party before moving to the NDC.
He described the occasion as an opportunity to honour the memory of a respected elder while standing in solidarity with the bereaved family.
The former Anambra State governor prayed for the peaceful repose of the deceased and asked God to grant his family strength during the difficult period, noting that Pa Abaa had lived a long and fulfilled life.
Obi Places Responsibility for Electoral Integrity on Citizens
Addressing questions about preparations for the 2027 general election, Obi stressed that his confidence rests more with the Nigerian people than with the electoral commission.
According to him, INEC’s actions will ultimately reflect the determination of citizens to defend the sanctity of their votes.
He argued that when voters refuse to accept manipulation and demand transparency, their choices at the ballot box will be respected.
Obi encouraged Nigerians to reflect on the country’s current challenges and consider the kind of future they want to leave for younger generations.
He said advocating for national change requires courage but insisted that the nation’s current trajectory cannot continue indefinitely.
Economic Hardship Remains a Major Concern
The NDC presidential candidate also expressed deep concern over Nigeria’s worsening economic conditions, saying that poverty and hunger have become increasingly visible across communities.
He noted that the scale of hardship no longer requires statistical reports to understand, as the realities can be witnessed firsthand in towns and villages across the country.
Referring to estimates that tens of millions of Nigerians are experiencing severe hunger, Obi questioned how long such conditions could be allowed to persist, insisting that urgent action is needed to reverse the trend.
Hunger Has Become the Greatest Form of Harassment
Responding to concerns that opposition supporters could face intimidation during the next election cycle, Obi argued that the country’s economic crisis has already subjected Nigerians to daily hardship.
He said widespread hunger and deteriorating living conditions have become the most severe form of suffering experienced by citizens, affecting people regardless of political affiliation.
Obi concluded by urging Nigerians to reject the circumstances that have led to the nation’s current challenges, calling on citizens to collectively demand a better future and make it clear that they will no longer tolerate the status quo.
