PORT HARCOURT, NIGERIA — Nigeria Democratic Congress presidential candidate Peter Obi has declared that the people of Rivers State will vote massively in the 2027 elections and that their votes must count, issuing a firm commitment to electoral integrity during a town hall engagement in Port Harcourt.
Obi, who travelled to Rivers State after attending the Daily Times at 100th anniversary in Abuja, was received by a rousing crowd of party members led by the NDC’s governorship candidate in Rivers State, Chief Barr. Dumo Lulu-Briggs. The visit featured the NDC Obi-Talks, a town hall meeting that provided an opportunity for open and engaging conversation with the people.
During the town hall, Obi and his team fielded questions from residents on issues directly affecting the lives of Nigerians, including jobs, healthcare, education, security, and economic opportunity. The former Anambra governor reiterated his commitment to investing in what he described as the three critical areas that accelerate the development of every nation: education, healthcare, and pulling people out of poverty.
Obi examined the experiences of countries that once faced challenges similar to those confronting Nigeria today, citing Bangladesh’s remarkable progress in rice production, Indonesia’s growth in small and medium enterprises, and India’s efforts at pulling millions of its citizens out of poverty. “The lesson is clear: countries succeed when leadership is competent, accountable, focused, and committed to the welfare of the people,” he stated.
The NDC presidential candidate expressed elation at what he described as the renewed commitment among the people of Rivers State to participate massively in the 2027 elections and, more importantly, to ensure that their votes are counted and the people’s mandate is respected. “Let it be recorded that this time around, the people of Rivers State will vote, and their votes MUST count,” Obi declared.
He emphasized that only leaders who emerge from a free, fair, and credible electoral process can truly be called Excellencies, adding that Rivers State can and should set the pace for excellent, free, fair, and credible elections in 2027.
Obi extended his appreciation to the NDC Vice Presidential Candidate, Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso; the host and governorship candidate in Rivers State, Chief Barr. Dumo Lulu-Briggs; the Rivers State Working Committee of the NDC; the National Working Committee led by National Chairman Senator Cleopas Moses Zuwoghe; and all friends, supporters, and well-wishers who joined the engagement.
“Our task is to rescue Nigeria, rebuild our institutions, and restore hope to our people,” Obi concluded. “A New Nigeria is Possible, and Nigeria will be OK.”
