Obi To Nigerians: Register, Vote, Don’t Lose Faith In Electoral Process; Says 2027 Votes Must Count

Presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Mr Peter Obi, has urged Nigerians not to lose faith in the country's democratic process despite the disappointment many experienced during the 2023 general elections.

Obi made the appeal on Thursday while visiting Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) centres at the Nise and Nri Civic Centres in Anambra State, where he encouraged eligible Nigerians to register ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The former Anambra State governor said participation in elections remains the most effective way for citizens to influence governance and build a better country, stressing that frustrations over previous electoral outcomes should not discourage Nigerians from exercising their constitutional rights.

According to him, obtaining a Permanent Voter Card (PVC) and participating in elections are civic responsibilities capable of producing leaders who prioritise education, healthcare, employment and overall national development.

"While I move around registration centres, I try to encourage those yet to register because it is their civic responsibility.

"That is the way we can collectively build a better country where government will care about the people's education, health and employment," Obi said.

The NDC presidential candidate acknowledged that many Nigerians remain sceptical about the electoral process because they believe their votes did not count during the 2023 elections.

However, he urged citizens not to abandon the democratic process, arguing that meaningful national transformation requires sustained participation rather than withdrawal.

"I urge all Nigerians who are of voting age and have not registered to go out and register to vote in the coming election.

"We cannot give up because it did not work yesterday. We only work for a better future by doing the right thing. I assure you that your votes will count this time around," he said.

Obi's remarks come as the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) continues voter registration exercises in preparation for the next electoral cycle, with political parties intensifying mobilisation efforts across the country.

Speaking on his party's appeal against the recent Lokoja court judgment, Obi expressed confidence in Nigeria's judiciary, saying the legal process should be allowed to run its course.

"As per our appeal, I'm sure the judiciary will do the right thing. All we are interested in is to do our part," he stated.

His comments come amid ongoing legal and political developments involving the NDC, as the party continues preparations ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Obi has consistently maintained that active civic participation remains essential to strengthening Nigeria's democracy, urging citizens not to surrender the electoral process to apathy despite previous setbacks.