Peter Obi, presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), has urged Nigerians to protect their votes and reject intimidation ahead of the 2027 presidential election.
Gatekeepers News reports that Obi made the call during a Global Digital Town Hall on Sunday, where he spoke to Nigerians at home and abroad about voter mobilisation, election security and measures to safeguard the electoral process.
The former Anambra State governor urged voters to remain at their polling units after casting their ballots until the votes were counted, stressing that citizens have a role to play in ensuring that their votes count.
He also called on his supporters and party members to intensify voter mobilisation and ensure that polling agents are deployed across the country.
Obi said his campaign was strengthening its network of polling agents and working with other political parties and stakeholders to promote free, fair and credible elections.
He cautioned Nigerians against allowing money or intimidation to determine their choices at the polls.
“If you collect money from them, that is the money they would have used in security… hospitals… education,” Obi said.
He argued that accepting inducements in exchange for votes could ultimately work against the interests of citizens, urging voters to consider the long-term consequences of their choices.
On election security, Obi called for greater support for security agencies, including adequate logistics, equipment and welfare for personnel and their families.
“We have security agencies. They must work. We must make sure we provide them with the logistics needed to work,” he said.
The NDC candidate also stressed the importance of national unity, saying Nigeria’s challenges affect citizens across ethnic and religious lines.
“Our country needs unity. At present, we are not united. We are divided along ethnic and religious lines, yet no tribe buys bread at a lower price and no tribe buys fuel at a lower price,” Obi said.
