The presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, has called on Nigerians to take an active role in protecting their votes and ensuring that their ballots are counted in the 2027 presidential election.
Obi made the call during a Global Digital Townhall held via Zoom, YouTube and other social media platforms, where he interacted with Nigerians at home and abroad on voter mobilisation, election security and ways to safeguard the electoral process.
The former Anambra State governor urged his supporters and other Nigerians to mobilise voters at the grassroots and ensure adequate representation by polling agents across the country.
“We must stay and insist that votes must count,” Obi said.
He disclosed that his campaign was strengthening its network of polling agents while also engaging other political parties to promote what he described as free, fair and credible elections.
Obi also warned Nigerians against allowing financial inducement or intimidation to determine their choices at the polls.
He argued that accepting money in exchange for votes could ultimately deprive citizens of resources that should have been used to provide essential services.
“If you collect money from them, that is the money they would have used in security… hospitals… education,” he said.
On insecurity, Obi called for stronger support for security agencies, including the provision of adequate logistics and improved welfare for personnel and their families.
“We have security agencies. They must work. We must make sure we provide them with the logistics needed to work,” he said.
He added that Nigeria needs a president who would take responsibility for tackling insecurity and “lead from the front.”
As part of his message on election day, Obi urged voters not to leave their polling units immediately after casting their ballots, but to remain until the votes are counted and the results duly recorded.
