Peter Obi, presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), has declared that the 2027 general election will be a direct contest between Nigerians and the All Progressives Congress (APC)-led government, emphasizing a shift in public awareness and electoral expectations. Speaking in an interview with Arise Television aired on Thursday, Obi warned that this upcoming election would differ significantly from the 2023 polls, when many Nigerians placed unwavering trust in the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and its then-chairman, Professor Mahmood Yakubu.
Obi accused Yakubu of misleading the public during the 2023 elections, claiming the INEC chairman “was busy jumping all over the world, telling the world that he and his team were prepared to do the right thing when he was actually working for the opposite.” He argued that Nigerians had taken things for granted in the previous election cycle, believing INEC’s assurances without sufficient scrutiny or verification. This time, Obi stressed, the people will not rely solely on promises but will demand tangible proof of fairness and transparency.
According to Obi, the 2027 election is fundamentally about the people versus the government, not just political parties. He urged Nigerians to remain vigilant and active in ensuring electoral integrity, stating that trust must be earned through actions, not declarations. “This time, we will only trust them by doing the right thing,” he said, adding that there is already evidence that the former INEC chairman acted against the public interest — a fact, he believes, even Yakubu acknowledges internally.
Obi also emphasized the importance of moving forward without being held back by past failures. “That’s in the past, as those who think about yesterday would miss tomorrow,” he remarked, urging citizens to focus on building a more accountable and transparent electoral process. His comments reflect growing skepticism among Nigerians regarding electoral management and a rising demand for institutional reforms.
The NDC presidential candidate’s remarks come amid increasing calls for electoral reform across Nigeria, with civil society groups and opposition parties pushing for stronger oversight mechanisms and greater public participation in the electoral process. As the 2027 election approaches, Obi’s message underscores a broader national conversation about democracy, accountability, and the need for genuine change in how elections are conducted.
His words are likely to resonate with voters who felt disenfranchised in 2023 and are now demanding a more inclusive and credible electoral system. The 2027 election may well become a defining moment for Nigeria’s democratic journey, as citizens prepare to hold both political parties and electoral institutions to higher standards.
Leave a Comment