2027 Presidency: Peter Obi Laments Ethnic Division, Says Insecurity and Poverty Affect All Nigerians

The presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress, Peter Obi, has urged Nigerians to move beyond ethnic and religious sentiments as the country approaches the 2027 general election.

Obi stated that challenges such as insecurity, poverty and high cost of living affect all citizens equally, regardless of tribe or faith.

He made the remarks during a virtual Vote4Obi meeting held on Sunday.

According to Obi, Nigeria remains divided along ethnic and religious lines, yet economic hardship does not spare any group.

He noted that no tribe or religion purchases food or bread at a cheaper price, and that insecurity has spread across every part of the country.

Obi said Nigerians should be more concerned about electing a leader who can unite the country and tackle insecurity.

He also reacted to the recent abduction of 22 graduates who were on their way to their NYSC orientation camps. He described the incident as unacceptable, especially at a time when political campaigns for 2027 have begun.

The NDC candidate questioned how kidnappers could operate within the country without being tracked, asking where the victims were taken to and where ransom demands were coming from.

He called on the federal government to deploy available technology and intelligence to locate criminal hideouts and rescue victims.

Obi further stressed the need to equip security agencies with necessary logistics and to improve welfare for personnel and their families.

He added that Nigeria needs a president who will lead from the front and stay present in the country, travelling abroad only when such trips will bring direct benefits to the nation.

Obi advised his supporters to stay at their polling units after casting their votes in 2027 to ensure votes are counted.

In the same meeting, activist Aisha Yesufu said plans were in progress to strengthen vote protection ahead of the 2027 polls.

She explained that the team is working with platforms like Smart Ballot and Obedient Connect to build a database of supporters and recruit polling unit agents.

She said the goal is to have committed agents and additional protectors at polling units across the country to monitor the process and prevent irregularities.

She added that the Nigeria Democratic Congress and its presidential candidate, Peter Obi, alongside his running mate Rabiu Kwankwaso, are involved in the vote protection efforts.