2027: “My Primary Concern Is Not Winning, But Protecting The Votes” — Peter Obi

Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) presidential candidate Peter Obi has said his major concern ahead of the 2027 general election is not whether he wins, but whether Nigerians will be able to protect their votes and have their choices respected.

According to Ireporter Online, Obi made the remarks during a thank-you tour of Kogi East Senatorial District organised in support of the NDC’s candidate for the district, Peter Ameh.

The former Anambra State governor urged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and other stakeholders to work towards ensuring that the 2027 elections are free, fair, transparent and credible.

Obi said he was less concerned about the eventual outcome of the election than about the ability of citizens to safeguard their votes on election day.

“I am not worried about what the outcome of the 2027 general election will be. What worries me is the people and how they will protect their votes on election day,” he stated.

He called on INEC and the electorate to reject any attempt to manipulate the electoral process in favour of any political party, insisting that the wishes of voters must be upheld.

According to him, every ballot cast by Nigerians must be properly counted and reflected in the final outcome of the election.

Obi also urged Nigerians to elect leaders based on competence, capacity, character, compassion and commitment to national development rather than other considerations.

The NDC presidential candidate said Nigeria needed leadership with a clear vision and the capacity to address the country’s economic and social challenges.

He expressed concern over the level of hunger and poverty in the country, saying his ongoing visits across different parts of Nigeria were aimed at understanding the challenges confronting citizens and exploring ways to improve their welfare.

Obi said he wanted the 2027 campaign to be centred on issues affecting Nigerians, urging presidential candidates to engage directly with citizens and understand their needs.

He noted that during his visit to Kogi, he stopped at Obolafo-Otukpa Junction to interact with elderly residents and hear about the difficulties they were facing.

The former governor said his vision was for the next government to prioritise education, environmental security and opportunities for Nigerians to earn decent livelihoods.

He further urged citizens to remain vigilant and ensure that their votes count, stressing that Nigerians should be allowed to freely choose those who will govern them.

Meanwhile, NDC Kogi East Senatorial candidate Peter Ameh said the district had sufficient agricultural and mineral resources to overcome its economic challenges if properly harnessed.

Ameh lamented the state of infrastructure and primary healthcare across Kogi East, arguing that residents deserved better representation at the National Assembly.

He urged voters to examine the track records and capacity of candidates before deciding who should represent them, saying the interests of the people must remain the priority.