Peter Obi the Nigeria Democratic Congress presidential candidate told supporters at a packed town hall in Port Harcourt on Thursday that he is ready to die protecting votes in the 2027 election.
The event tagged Obi Talks Nigeria drew party leaders voters and community groups as the opposition stepped up its push ahead of next years polls.
Obi said nobody will intimidate them again at polling units. He pointed out that most booths have about five officials facing forty to fifty voters and argued that five people cannot scare a crowd that size. He called on Nigerians to turn out defend their ballots and insist that every vote must count.
The former Anambra governor linked the fight to the 2023 election when INEC results failed to upload on the IReV portal amid claims of network problems. Some Nigeria said those glitches hid the real outcome. Obi warned that similar tricks may be tried again but vowed it will not be easy this time. He said the party will flood the process with many independent IReV streams and alternative technology so that if one system fails another will work. He added that letting those glitches continue will keep damaging everyday life.
Rabiu Kwankwaso the NDC vice presidential candidate also spoke and said the ruling party will struggle even with dozens of governors. Rivers governorship hopeful Dumo Lulu Briggs hosted the meeting at a large venue in the city. Obi used the same stage to blame bad leadership for collapsed refineries and other failing institutions saying the country suffers because those in charge have failed.
Obi closed by urging people to join the campaign even if they feel small because only collective action can rescue the country. He said voters in Rivers and across Nigeria must set an example so that whoever emerges can truly claim the title of leader.
