By Amaka Okafor
The presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) in the 2027 general elections, Mr Peter Obi, has urged Nigerians to take ownership of the forthcoming general elections by insisting that their votes count, saying the country’s future depends more on the resolve of the people than on the electoral umpire.
Obi spoke with journalists on Friday at Isiama Primary school Onicha LGA Ebonyi State during a condolence visit to a political associate Linus Okorie at his father’s burial ceremony . He said his presence at the funeral reflected a longstanding political relationship that transcends party affiliations.
Responding to questions on whether he still had confidence in the Independent National Electoral Commission ahead of the 2027 polls, Obi shifted the focus from the electoral commission to the electorate, maintaining that the outcome of elections ultimately rests with Nigerians.
“It is not really about confidence in INEC; it is about having confidence in the people. The people will determine what INEC does. If Nigerians insist that their votes must count, then their votes will count,” he declared.
The former Anambra State governor urged citizens to reflect on the nation’s current trajectory, warning that the worsening economic situation poses a grave threat to future generations. According to him, advocating for change in Nigeria today requires courage because the country cannot continue on its present path.
“Anyone who is talking about change in Nigeria today is making the ultimate sacrifice because we cannot continue like this. Every day, poverty is increasing. Every day, hunger is increasing. The World Bank recently reported that poverty has risen to almost 79 per cent from about 51 per cent when this government came into office,” Obi said.
He added that statistical reports merely confirm what millions of Nigerians already experience daily, insisting that the realities in rural communities speak louder than official figures. “You do not even need a World Bank report to know what is happening. Go to the villages and see for yourself. Millions more Nigerians are facing hunger,” he stated.
Asked about concerns that his supporters could face harassment and intimidation during the electioneering period, Obi argued that hardship has become the greatest form of oppression confronting Nigerians, regardless of political affiliation.
“For me, every Nigerian is already being harassed not just my supporters. Hunger is harassing everybody. The worsening economic situation is affecting everyone. Go to any village, and you will see that people are suffering. It is time for Nigerians to tell those governing us that enough is enough,” he said.
Obi’s remarks come as political activities ahead of the 2027 general election continue to gather momentum, with opposition parties intensifying consultations and public engagements while concerns over the economy and electoral credibility remain dominant issues in national discourse.
 in the 2027 general elections, Mr Peter Obi, has urged Nigerians to take ownership of the forthcoming general elections by insisting that their votes count, saying the country's future depends more on the resolve of the people than on the electoral umpire.){kind=link}