By Our Reporter

Presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, has described the 2027 general election as a critical opportunity to rescue and unite Nigeria, urging citizens to work together to change what he called the country’s “sad narrative.”

Obi spoke in Awka, Anambra State, while attending an empowerment programme organised by the member representing Awka North and South Federal Constituency, Prof. Lilian Oby Orogbu.

At the event, Orogbu raised an alarm over an alleged plan by desperate politicians to deploy thugs dressed in security uniforms to manipulate the 2027 electoral process, warning that such a move would be resisted.

Obi, while lamenting the deteriorating state of the country, likened Nigeria to a meal that had been ruined by excessive salt.

“Nigeria is like a meal spoilt by too much salt. A lot has collapsed in this country. Wherever you go, they tell you to be careful and not to go there.

“When people get sick, they have no hospitals to obtain treatment. Rather, they go to churches to pray because death is by the corner.”

The former Anambra State governor said Nigeria needs leaders with integrity, responsibility and the capacity to rebuild institutions and restore public confidence.

“We need leaders who are responsible and who have integrity. I challenge any of my contestants to come up for assessment, and I can tell you that none of them is better than me.”

Obi said his nationwide consultations were aimed at securing the support of Nigerians for his political agenda, stressing that the 2027 election represents a decisive moment for national unity.

“That is why I have been going around the country asking for the support of Nigerians so that we can restore our country.

“This is the last chance to unite Nigeria. I want to unite Nigeria, and that is why I am in the race for the presidency.”

Also speaking at the event, Orogbu warned against any attempt to undermine the electoral process through the use of thugs or impersonators dressed as security personnel.

She said the people had become more politically conscious and would resist any attempt to manipulate their votes.

“We are aware of the plans of some people to manipulate the coming election. We learnt that they are going to use thugs dressed in security uniforms to rig the election.

“But our people have become wiser, and such attempts will be resisted.”

Senator Victor Umeh, in his remarks, criticised those campaigning against Obi’s candidacy, challenging them to present their arguments when the campaign season officially begins.

“When the campaign proper begins, we shall come down to Anambra State and the South-East to campaign. We shall engage them, and let us see why we should not support Peter Obi in the coming election,” Umeh said.

The Anambra State Chairman of the NDC, Hon. Ikem Uzoezie, described Obi, Umeh and Orogbu as highly qualified for the respective positions they are seeking.

He urged voters in Anambra State to support the three politicians massively at the polls.

The event featured the distribution of empowerment items to beneficiaries across the Awka North and South Federal Constituency. The items included refrigerators, power generators, sewing machines, grinding machines, motorcycles, buses and cars.