Peter Obi, presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) for the 2027 general election, has declared that the power to ensure credible elections lies not with the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) alone, but with the Nigerian people, emphasizing that INEC will only act in accordance with the will of the electorate. Speaking to journalists on Friday after attending the burial service of the late Pa Simon Okorie Abaa, father of NDC senatorial candidate for Ebonyi South, Chief Linus Okorie, Obi stressed that Nigerians must take ownership of their democratic process. The event took place at Isiama Primary School in Onicha Igboeze, Onicha Local Government Area of Ebonyi State, where Obi paid his respects alongside other dignitaries.
Obi made it clear that his confidence in the upcoming elections is rooted in the people’s resolve to defend their votes, rather than in institutional structures. “It is not about confidence in INEC,” he stated. “Do I still have confidence in the people? Because it is the people that will determine what INEC will do. If the people insist that their votes will count, their votes will count.” He urged Nigerians to reflect on the current state of the nation and consider the future of their children. “Are we going to continue in this direction? Anybody talking about changing Nigeria today is making the ultimate sacrifice because we cannot continue like this,” he added.
The former Anambra State governor expressed deep concern over the worsening economic crisis, pointing to rising poverty and hunger across the country. “Every day poverty is increasing. Every day hunger is increasing,” he said. He noted that reports indicate about 70 million Nigerians are facing acute hunger, a reality visible even without official data. “You can see it in the villages,” Obi remarked. “What are we going to do about it? Are we going to continue like this? No. That is not possible.”
On the issue of electoral intimidation, Obi argued that Nigerians are already under immense pressure from economic hardship. “For me, every Nigerian is already being harassed by hunger. People are being harassed by the worsening situation in the country. Everybody is affected,” he said. He called on citizens to stand up and say “enough is enough” to those who oppress them. Obi also highlighted his longstanding relationship with Chief Linus Okorie, noting they had worked together in the Labour Party before joining the NDC. “We have worked together before in the Labour Party and now we are in the NDC. That shows we have a close relationship,” he said.
Obi concluded with a prayer for the late Pa Simon Okorie Abaa, wishing him eternal rest and strength for the grieving family. As Nigeria moves closer to the 2027 elections, Obi’s message underscores a growing call for citizen-led accountability and a renewed commitment to democratic integrity.
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