Peter Obi, the presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), has called on Nigerians to reject ethnic and religious divisions ahead of the 2027 election. During a Vote4Obi Zoom meeting, Obi stressed that Nigerians should focus on electing a president capable of uniting the country and confronting its security challenges. He noted that insecurity, poverty, and economic hardship affect citizens across the country, regardless of their backgrounds.
Obi emphasized that economic hardship does not distinguish between tribes or religions, stating that no tribe buys bread or food cheaper. He argued that the common challenges facing Nigerians should compel citizens to prioritize competent leadership rather than allow ethnic and religious considerations to determine their political choices. Obi urged Nigerians to focus on electing a president who can unite the country and tackle its challenges.
The former Anambra State governor expressed concern over the abduction of Nigerian graduates traveling to participate in the National Youth Service Corps programme. He questioned why security agencies had been unable to locate and rescue kidnapping victims despite the availability of modern technology. Obi called for the use of technology and intelligence capabilities to identify criminal groups and locate their hideouts.
Obi also called for better logistics, equipment, and welfare for security personnel, including adequate support for their families when officers are killed or incapacitated. He pledged that, if elected, he would prioritize staying in Nigeria and would only travel abroad for critical meetings capable of benefiting the country. Obi urged supporters to remain at their polling units after voting until the ballots were counted.
Activist and Obi supporter Aisha Yesufu disclosed that efforts were underway to build a stronger polling-unit agent and vote-protection structure ahead of the election. Yesufu said the initiative involved working with technology platforms, political groups, movements, candidates, and aspirants to recruit and organize polling-unit agents. The structure would also involve the Nigeria Democratic Congress and various support movements.
According to Yesufu, the focus was not merely on recruiting people to appear at polling units on election day, but on identifying committed supporters who were invested in their communities and willing to mobilize voters. She said additional "polling unit protectors" would also be deployed to support agents and ensure that polling units without designated agents could still be monitored.
Yesufu added that Obi and his running mate, Rabiu Kwankwaso, were closely involved in efforts to strengthen polling-unit operations and protect votes. Obi's commitment to tackling the country's challenges and providing competent leadership resonated with his supporters, who are working to ensure a strong showing in the 2027 election.
Key points
- Peter Obi urges Nigerians to reject ethnic and religious divisions ahead of the 2027 election.
- Obi emphasizes the need for competent leadership to tackle insecurity and economic hardship.
- Aisha Yesufu announces efforts to build a stronger polling-unit agent and vote-protection structure ahead of the election.
