“This Time Our Votes Must Count” — Peter Obi Fires Warning Ahead Of 2027 Election

Former Anambra State governor and ex-presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has delivered a fiery message ahead of the 2027 elections, urging Nigerians to reject leaders who fail to provide solutions to the country’s worsening economic and governance challenges.

Speaking during the NDC aspirants’ dinner in Abuja, Obi declared that the era of excuses by political leaders must come to an end, insisting that Nigerians deserve competent and accountable leadership.

“For those who want to rule Nigeria in the next four years, they must give us reasons to vote for them,” Obi said. “Don’t be afraid of them rigging the election. This time, our vote must count. If it doesn’t count, those who refuse to count it will count themselves.”

The former presidential candidate criticized what he described as a culture of failed leadership across Africa, lamenting that many leaders continue to offer explanations rather than measurable results. “We don’t want to hire people who will give us excuses again. The time of excuses has passed. If you cannot work now, go home,” he declared.

Obi said Nigeria possesses the resources and human capital needed to become a functional and prosperous nation, but argued that corruption, weak governance and lack of political will have continued to hold the country back.

Drawing comparisons with war-torn Ukraine, Obi questioned why Nigeria still struggles with hunger and poverty despite its enormous landmass and agricultural potential. “Ukraine is at war, yet Ukraine gave Nigeria grain to fight hunger,” he said. “The entire Ukraine is about 600,000 square kilometres. Northern Nigeria alone is over 700,000 square kilometres yet we cannot feed ourselves. These are things we must stop.”

The former governor also called on Nigerian youths to become actively involved in political mobilisation and democratic participation ahead of the next election cycle. “The Nigerian youth is energetic. We will campaign. We will go everywhere in the country,” he stated.

Obi stressed that leadership positions should be based on competence, compassion, character and commitment rather than political patronage or ethnic considerations. “We want a country that works for all of us. A country that gives jobs to every Nigerian,” he added.

The former Anambra governor also spoke extensively about party discipline and internal democracy, recalling how he allowed party structures determine appointments while serving as governor. “I did not appoint one commissioner by myself. The party gave me the list and I announced it,” he said. “If the party wants you to go, you go. Me and him, we are hired by the party.”

Obi further advocated for greater inclusion of women and young people in governance, insisting that political offices must become accessible to ordinary Nigerians regardless of background or connections. “We want a child of nobody to become somebody without knowing anybody,” he declared.

He concluded by urging Nigerians to remain hopeful and willing to sacrifice for national transformation. “We must sacrifice for our dear country,” Obi said.