The presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, has urged Nigerians to prioritise national unity when choosing a leader in the 2027 presidential election.
Obi said Nigeria is currently divided along ethnic and religious lines and needs a president who can bring citizens together, strengthen national security and address the challenges affecting people across the country.
The former Anambra State governor made the remarks during a global digital town hall held virtually on Sunday, where he spoke to Nigerians at home and abroad about voter mobilisation, election security and the need to protect the electoral process.
According to Obi, the economic and security challenges facing Nigerians do not discriminate on the basis of ethnicity or religion.
He said, “At present, we are not united. We are divided along ethnic and religious lines, yet, to the best of my knowledge, no tribe buys bread at a lower price, and no tribe buys fuel at a lower price. No religion buys bread or fuel at a lower price.”
Obi added that poverty and insecurity are affecting Nigerians across the country, stressing that national challenges should not be viewed through ethnic or religious divisions.
He said Nigeria requires a president who would unite the people and work consistently to improve security and other critical areas of national development.
The NDC candidate also called on Nigerians who want to participate in the 2027 election to take responsibility for protecting their votes. He urged voters to remain at their polling units until votes are counted and recorded.
Obi said his political movement was working to expand its network of polling agents across the country and would cooperate with other political parties and stakeholders to promote free, fair and credible elections.
He also warned voters against allowing money or intimidation to influence their decisions at the polls, saying such actions could have serious consequences for the country’s future.
“If you accept money from them, that is money they would otherwise have spent on security, hospitals, and education,” Obi said.
On insecurity, the former governor called for stronger support for the country’s security agencies. He said personnel should be provided with adequate logistics and equipment to enable them to protect citizens effectively.
Obi also stressed the need for the welfare of security personnel and their families to be given proper attention, particularly when officers are killed, injured or become unable to continue serving.
“We have security agencies, and they must function effectively. We must provide them with the logistics they need to perform their duties and ensure that we stand by them. We must make certain that they are properly equipped and that their families are cared for if anything happens to them or they become unavailable. We need a president who will lead from the front,” he said.
Obi urged Nigerians to remain actively involved in the electoral process, particularly on election day, saying voters should stay at their polling units until the counting of ballots is completed.
He maintained that Nigerians must work together to ensure that their votes are protected and that the 2027 election reflects the genuine choice of the people.
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