OBI, AMEH URGE NIGERIANS TO DEFEND THEIR VOTES AHEAD OF 2027 POLL

The presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress, Peter Obi, and the party’s Kogi East senatorial candidate, Peter Ameh, have called for stronger safeguards to ensure the 2027 general elections are free, fair and credible. The duo made the appeal on Sunday during a thank-you tour for Ameh in Ogugu, Olamaboro Local Government Area of Kogi State, following his emergence as the NDC candidate for the senatorial district.

Obi urged the Independent National Electoral Commission to resist any attempt by political actors to interfere with the electoral process, stressing that the decision of voters must be respected. He also advocated for issue-based campaigns in which candidates would focus on the challenges confronting Nigerians rather than simply seeking votes. According to him, the next government must prioritise education, security, improved living conditions and opportunities for citizens to earn decent livelihoods.

The former Anambra State governor expressed concern over the economic difficulties facing Nigerians, particularly poverty and hardship in rural communities. He said his major concern was not simply who would emerge from the 2027 contest but whether Nigerians would be able to cast and protect their votes and have them properly counted. Obi urged voters to assess candidates based on competence, capacity, character, compassion and commitment to national development before deciding who to support.

Ameh, meanwhile, said Kogi East had the agricultural potential and mineral resources needed to become significantly more prosperous but remained hindered by poor infrastructure and inadequate public services. He cited the poor condition of roads around coal-producing communities and expressed concern about the state of primary healthcare facilities across Kogi State. He argued that voters should examine the records and capacity of candidates before choosing those who would represent them at the National Assembly.

The NDC candidate also alleged that votes cast by residents in previous elections had not always been protected, urging voters to remain vigilant during the 2027 exercise. He said citizens must defend their ballots because their votes ultimately determine whether communities receive better roads, schools, healthcare facilities and other essential amenities. Both politicians therefore called for greater voter participation and an electoral process in which the choices of Nigerians are accurately reflected in the final results.