Obi Delivers Defiant Message: Rivers Electorates Will Vote and Their Votes Must Count

PORT HARCOURT — Presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Mr. Peter Obi, has delivered a defiant message ahead of the 2027 general elections, declaring that the people of Rivers State will exercise their constitutional right to vote and that their votes must count.

Obi made the declaration on Thursday in Port Harcourt during an NDC Obi-Talks Town Hall, where he engaged party supporters and residents on pressing national issues and the party’s vision for Nigeria.

Received by the NDC Rivers State governorship candidate, Chief Barr. Dumo Lulu-Briggs, alongside other party leaders, Obi used the town hall to outline his concerns over unemployment, poor healthcare delivery, inadequate educational opportunities, insecurity, poverty and the shrinking economic opportunities available to Nigerians.

The former Anambra State governor said addressing these challenges would require leadership that places human capital development, productivity and economic opportunity at the centre of governance.

He reiterated his commitment to prioritising education, healthcare and poverty reduction, pointing to the development experiences of countries including Bangladesh, Indonesia and India as evidence that purposeful leadership and strategic investment can transform societies.

Obi also urged Rivers residents to turn out in large numbers during the 2027 elections and defend the integrity of their votes from the polling unit to the final declaration.

“The people of Rivers State will vote, and their votes MUST count,” Obi declared.

He called for elections that are free, fair and credible, stressing that only a transparent electoral process can produce leaders with genuine democratic legitimacy and the mandate to govern.

The NDC presidential candidate said the 2027 election should represent an opportunity for Nigerians to demand accountability and make choices based on competence, capacity and a clear commitment to improving their lives.

The town hall attracted prominent NDC figures and supporters, including the party’s Vice-Presidential Candidate, Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso; National Chairman, Senator Cleopas Moses Zuwoghe; and members of the Rivers State Working Committee.

Obi said the NDC remained committed to what he described as a mission to “rescue Nigeria, rebuild its institutions and restore hope to Nigerians.”

He maintained that Nigeria possesses the human and material resources required to overcome its current challenges, insisting that the country can be transformed through competent leadership, accountable institutions and purposeful governance.

“A new Nigeria is possible,” Obi said, urging Nigerians to remain engaged in the democratic process and use their votes to demand the change they desire.

The Port Harcourt engagement formed part of the party’s mobilisation and outreach activities ahead of the 2027 general elections, with supporters expressing optimism about the NDC’s electoral prospects in Rivers State.