2027 Election: Obi Charges Rivers Residents to Defend Their Votes

Peter Obi has called on residents of Rivers State to participate fully in the 2027 general election and ensure that the outcome of their votes reflects the people’s mandate.

Obi, who contested the 2023 presidential election on the platform of the Labour Party, made the appeal after attending a Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) town hall meeting in Port Harcourt on Thursday.

In a statement shared on X on Friday, the former Anambra State governor said the engagement allowed participants to examine some of the major challenges confronting Nigerians, particularly in employment, healthcare, education, security and access to economic opportunities.

Obi said that, if entrusted with leadership, his administration would focus heavily on education, healthcare and poverty reduction, which he described as important pillars for national development.

He also referenced the experiences of Bangladesh, Indonesia and India to demonstrate how deliberate policies and purposeful leadership could improve economies and the welfare of citizens.

According to him, Bangladesh’s progress in rice production, Indonesia’s expansion of small and medium-sized enterprises and India’s efforts to tackle poverty showed what could be achieved through focused governance.

Obi said one of the major highlights of his visit to Rivers State was the determination he observed among residents to participate in the next general election.

“My greatest elation today came from the renewed commitment I saw among the good people of Rivers State to participate massively in the 2027 elections and, more importantly, to ensure that their votes are counted and the people’s mandate is respected,” he said.

He urged Rivers voters to make the 2027 poll a platform for demanding transparency and credibility in the electoral process.

Obi maintained that political leaders could only claim legitimate authority when they were elected through free and fair elections.

“Let it be recorded that this time around, the people of Rivers State will vote, and their votes MUST count,” he declared.

He further called on the state to lead by example in the push for credible elections across the country.

“Rivers State can and should set the pace for excellent, free, fair, and credible elections in 2027,” Obi said.

The Labour Party candidate added that public officials should only be regarded as legitimately elected when they emerge from a transparent electoral process.

He described the NDC town hall as part of efforts to identify practical solutions to Nigeria’s development problems and promote stronger citizen involvement in governance.

Obi expressed appreciation to the NDC leadership, Rivers State governorship candidate Dumo Lulu-Briggs, Vice-Presidential Candidate Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, party officials and supporters for attending the meeting.

He said the wider opposition movement was driven by the objective to “rescue Nigeria, rebuild our institutions, and restore hope to our people.”

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