2027 Peter Obi Urges Nigerians To Protect Their Votes As INEC Warns Politicians

2027 Peter Obi Urges Nigerians to Protect Their Votes as INEC Warns Politicians Presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress NDC, Peter Obi, has urged Nigerians to take responsibility for protecting their votes ahead of the 2027 general elections, while the Independent National Electoral Commission INEC has warned politicians against inflammatory statements capable of triggering violence. Obi made the call during a thank-you tour in Ogugu, Olamaboro Local Government Area of Kogi State, where he urged INEC to resist political manipulation and ensure that the votes of Nigerians count.The former Anambra State governor stressed the need for the electoral body to conduct the 2027 elections in a free, fair and transparent manner, insisting that the will of the electorate must be respected. According to Obi, his major concern is not who wins the election but whether Nigerians will be able to protect their votes and ensure that their ballots are properly counted. He also called for an issue-based presidential campaign, challenging political candidates to engage directly with Nigerians on pressing challenges such as insecurity, poverty, unemployment, healthcare and education. Obi said his engagements with communities across Kogi, Benue and Enugu states had exposed similar concerns among residents, adding that candidates should listen to citizens before seeking their votes. He urged Nigerians to assess candidates based on their competence, capacity, character, compassion and commitment to national development, rather than party affiliation or political sentiments. Meanwhile, INEC has warned political actors against the use of inflammatory rhetoric during the 2027 election campaign, stressing that statements capable of provoking violence could undermine the credibility and safety of the electoral process. The electoral body has also reminded political actors that violations of relevant electoral provisions could attract sanctions, including fines and possible imprisonment. The warning comes amid growing concerns over political tension, campaign rhetoric and the possibility of violence as political parties intensify their activities ahead of the 2027 elections. Obi urged voters to participate actively in the electoral process and safeguard their ballots, stressing that credible elections depend not only on electoral officials but also on citizens’ willingness to defend the integrity of their votes. The developments have further intensified calls for peaceful, transparent and credible elections as Nigeria prepares for the 2027 general elections.