Reported by: Ijeoma G | Edited by: Oravbiere Osayomore Promise.
Presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress, Peter Obi, has issued a stern and unflinching warning to those he believes may attempt to manipulate the 2027 general elections, declaring that Nigerians will no longer tolerate any attempts to undermine their votes. Speaking at a town hall meeting in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, on Thursday, September 3, 2026, Obi told supporters that the days of electoral intimidation and manipulation were over. "Our votes this time must count, and whoever doesn't count them, we will count the person," Obi declared. He added, "We have heard enough of this nonsense".
The former Anambra State governor took a direct swipe at politicians who, he said, remain inaccessible to voters while outsourcing their campaigns to others. "Today, people sit in their houses to outsource campaigns to other people," Obi said. He insisted that anyone seeking to lead Nigeria must be willing to engage directly with the electorate and answer questions about their background and records. "Leadership cannot be outsourced," he declared. "If you want to lead, you have to talk to the people". In a dramatic challenge, Obi told the audience: "I'm challenging any Nigerian, both at home and abroad, or anyone around the world: if you have anything against me, say it out now".
Obi also addressed the issue of intimidation at polling booths, assuring supporters that they would not be cowed by security officials or election officers. He noted that the average polling booth has only five officials and about 50 voters, making intimidation unnecessary and unacceptable. "Nobody will intimidate us again at the polling booths," he said. He also warned that any attempts to manipulate the Independent National Electoral Commission's Result Viewing Portal (IReV) would fail. "Yes, they will try to manipulate the IReV. But let me tell you, it will not be easy this time," he said. "There will be so many IReVs this time. This time around, if there is network glitch, we will give them another one that has no glitch".
In a dramatic moment, Obi declared his willingness to sacrifice his life to ensure that votes count. "Somebody said, 'we are ready to die.' Let me tell you, I'm ready to die too," he said. His running mate, Senator Rabiu Kwankwaso, also addressed the gathering, warning the ruling All Progressives Congress against relying on the number of governors it controls as a guarantee of victory. Kwankwaso argued that several governors, particularly in the North, had performed poorly and might struggle to campaign for their parties. He cited former President Goodluck Jonathan's 2015 defeat as evidence that incumbency does not guarantee victory.
The Port Harcourt town hall meeting, tagged "Obi Talks Nigeria," marked a significant escalation in the NDC's campaign preparations ahead of the 2027 elections. Obi's defiant message has resonated with supporters and critics alike, setting the stage for what promises to be a fiercely contested electoral battle. As he put it, the time has come for Nigerians to rescue their country from those who have held it captive for too long.
📩 Stone Reporters News | 🌍 stonereportersnews.com
✉️ info@stonereportersnews.com | 📘 Facebook: Stone Reporters News | 🐦 X (Twitter): @StoneReportNew | 📸 Instagram: @stonereportersnews
Add comment
Comments