ABUJA, Nigeria — The presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, has urged Nigerians to look beyond ethnic and religious affiliations when choosing the country’s next president, saying the ability to tackle poverty, insecurity and other national challenges should be the priority ahead of the 2027 presidential election.
Speaking on Sunday during a global digital town hall attended by Nigerians both at home and abroad, Obi argued that the economic and security challenges confronting the country cut across ethnic and religious boundaries.
According to him, Nigerians, regardless of their tribe or faith, face similar difficulties when it comes to the rising cost of living and insecurity.
“No tribe buys bread at a lower price, and no tribe buys fuel at a lower price.”
Obi also noted that religious affiliation does not provide immunity from the country’s economic difficulties.
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“No religion buys bread or fuel at a lower price. The poverty affecting our country today is widespread across the entire nation.”
The former governor maintained that insecurity is equally a nationwide concern, stressing that no ethnic group or religious community enjoys absolute protection from violence and other security threats.
He therefore called on Nigerians to assess presidential candidates based on their capacity, competence and ability to improve the lives of citizens rather than allowing ethnic or religious sentiments to determine their choices.
‘We Need a President Who Will Lead From the Front’
Obi also advocated stronger institutional support for Nigeria’s security agencies, saying personnel must be adequately equipped with the logistics and resources required to protect citizens.
“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,” he said.
He further stressed the importance of providing welfare and support for the families of security personnel who lose their lives or become incapacitated while serving the country.
According to him, effective leadership requires a president who is willing to take responsibility and lead by example.
“We need a president who will lead from the front.”
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Obi Warns Against Vote Buying
Addressing the 2027 election, the NDC presidential candidate urged Nigerians to reject financial inducements and intimidation during the electoral process.
He argued that money used to influence voters could instead be channeled into addressing critical national challenges such as security, healthcare and education.
“If you accept money from them, that is money they would otherwise have spent on security, hospitals, and education.”
Obi also encouraged voters to remain vigilant at polling units, urging them to stay until votes are counted and to ensure that their ballots are properly accounted for.
Campaign Mobilization Intensifies
The former governor disclosed that his campaign organization was expanding its network of polling agents across the country as part of efforts to protect votes and promote credible elections.
He also called on supporters to intensify grassroots mobilization and ensure adequate representation at polling units nationwide.
The virtual town hall, streamed through platforms including Zoom and YouTube, formed part of Obi’s mobilization activities ahead of the 2027 presidential election.
As Nigeria moves closer to another presidential contest, Obi’s message centred on a simple appeal: that voters should judge political leadership by its capacity to deliver security, economic relief and better living conditions rather than by tribe or religion.
