2027: Nobody’ll intimidate us again, Obi assures supporters
Obi Assures Supporters of Fair Elections in 2027
By Davies Iheamnachor
PORT HARCOURT, Nigeria – Peter Obi, the presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), assured his supporters on Thursday that no one would intimidate them or undermine their voting rights in the upcoming 2027 general elections. Speaking during a town hall meeting in Port Harcourt, he emphasized the importance of ensuring that every vote counts.
Obi declared, “Nobody will intimidate us again at the polling booths.” He highlighted the disparity in numbers between polling officials and voters, stating that typically only five officials oversee 40 to 50 voters. “There’s no way five people will intimidate 50 people,” he added, promising to coordinate efforts to prevent any intimidation at the polls.
He expressed confidence in the determination of voters to defend their rights, stating that many officials share the struggles of average citizens. “The people who are in these polling booths are from families that are suffering from hunger,” he said. “All they want is for you to defend and demand that your vote must count.”
Obi also addressed concerns about potential manipulation of the Independent National Electoral Commission’s (INEC) Result Reviewing Portal (IReV). He vowed that if any issues, such as network glitches, arise during the election, alternative solutions would be provided to ensure transparency.
In a parallel discussion, Obi’s running mate, Rabiu Kwankwaso, cautioned political parties against relying solely on the number of governors they control as a predictor of electoral success. Kwankwaso, a former governor of Kano State, noted the poor performance of several governors, particularly in northern Nigeria, and argued for the necessity of competent leadership.
Kwankwaso warned, “Nigerians must not make mistakes again.” He reflected on historical precedents, recalling that former President Goodluck Jonathan lost the presidency despite being in power and having significant party support. “That was a very big mistake,” Kwankwaso remarked, emphasizing the potential consequences of electoral miscalculation.
He further criticized the current state of governance, questioning the effective use of increased revenue by state governments in recent years, despite the substantial financial resources available. “You go around, what have you done with that money? Close to nothing,” he questioned, referencing the societal anger stemming from poor governance and rising insecurity in northern Nigeria.
Meanwhile, Chief Dumo Lulu-Briggs, the NDC’s gubernatorial candidate for Rivers State, expressed gratitude to supporters for their sacrifices and assured them of a commitment to a functional Nigeria. “Courage is not the absence of fear, but fear that has set us free,” he stated, reinforcing the party’s resolve.
The NDC leaders’ remarks reflect their strategy to mobilize support ahead of the elections, emphasizing transparency, accountability, and engagement with voters as key themes.
