The presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, has urged Nigerians to turn out massively for the 2027 elections and defend their votes from the polling units until the final results are declared.
Obi made the call during a series of engagements with party supporters, stakeholders, traders and traditional rulers in Kogi, Benue and Enugu States.
The former Anambra State governor, said Nigerians must remain actively involved throughout the electoral process rather than limit their participation to casting ballots.
“We urge 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.
Obi began his engagements in Olamaboro Local Government Area of Kogi State, where he met with party stakeholders and supporters alongside the NDC Kogi East Senatorial candidate, High Chief Peter Ameh.
He said his interactions with residents further highlighted the urgent need for a government capable of addressing the country’s worsening socioeconomic and security challenges.
Obi identified insecurity, healthcare, education, unemployment and poverty as some of the critical issues that must form the centre of governance.
“I reaffirmed our commitment to addressing the major challenges facing our people, especially insecurity, healthcare, education, employment, and poverty alleviation,” he said.
“I also assured our large base of supporters that these issues would remain central to our efforts.”
The NDC candidate also visited Otukpa in Ogbadibo Local Government Area of Benue State and Obollo Afor in Enugu State, where he interacted with residents and traders.
Obi said the traders and other residents expressed concerns about the difficulties confronting their businesses and livelihoods.
He promised that a government under his leadership would prioritise the welfare of citizens and create an enabling environment for businesses to survive and expand.
“I heard their concerns and assured them that, under my leadership, they would have a government that recognises their difficulties, prioritises their welfare, and provides an environment in which their businesses can grow,” he said.
According to Obi, the demands Nigerians made during his engagements were basic expectations rather than excessive demands from government.
He said citizens primarily want security, employment opportunities, functional healthcare facilities, quality education and the means to live decent lives.
“Across all these engagements, the concerns expressed by our people remain essentially the same,” Obi said.
“They seek security in their communities, meaningful employment opportunities for our youths, access to properly functioning hospitals and schools for their children, and the means and resources to lead decent, dignified lives.”
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“These are not excessive demands. They represent the basic expectations citizens hold of a government dedicated to their welfare.”
Obi later travelled to Okpo in Olamaboro Local Government Area of Kogi State, where he attended the 65th birthday celebration of Evangelist Sunday Oguche.
He described Oguche as a respected religious leader and community builder who had contributed to the development of his community.
“Evangelist Oguche is not merely a preacher of the Gospel; he is also a dedicated community builder who has committed himself to serving God and making a positive difference in the lives of his people,” Obi said.
The former governor congratulated the cleric and prayed for continued strength, good health and many more years of service to God and humanity.
He concluded his engagements with a courtesy visit to His Royal Majesty, Igwe Willy Ezugwu, Eze Ka Eze I of Ideke Land and Eze Ogbozalla III of Opi Kingdom in Nsukka, Enugu State.
Obi said the traditional ruler’s belief in Nigeria’s future and words of encouragement were significant as the country approaches another electoral cycle.
“His Royal Majesty is a true Nigerian with a profound belief in the future of our country,” he said. “I am profoundly thankful for his fatherly counsel, encouragement, and prayers.”
Obi, who had earlier engaged stakeholders in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, said his interactions across the states had strengthened his conviction that Nigeria could overcome its challenges if government prioritised the welfare of citizens.
“As we move forward on this journey, our message remains unequivocal: Nigeria can succeed, and government can be made to serve its people,” he said.
