TD PORT HARCOURT — The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) presidential candidate, Mr. Peter Obi has declared that the people of Rivers State will participate massively in the 2027 elections and insisted that their votes must count.
Mr. Obi made the remarks while recounting his visit to Port Harcourt for a major NDC town hall engagement.
Obi had travelled to Port Harcourt after attending the Daily Times at 100th anniversary event in Abuja.
He said he received a rousing welcome from NDC members led by the party’s Rivers State Governorship Candidate, Chief Barr. Dumo Lulu-Briggs.
The NDC leadership subsequently participated in the NDC Obi-Talks, a Port Harcourt Town Hall, where Obi said he had the opportunity to engage directly with the people on issues affecting their daily lives.
Jobs, Education, Healthcare and Security Dominate Town Hall
According to Obi, the town hall provided an opportunity for an open and engaging conversation with Nigerians.
He said discussions focused on critical issues including employment, healthcare, education, security and economic opportunities.
Obi reiterated his commitment to investing in what he described as the three critical areas capable of accelerating national development, viz:
- Education,
- Healthcare, and,
- Lifting Nigerians out of poverty.
Obi: Nigeria Can Learn from Bangladesh, Indonesia, India
The former Anambra State governor said the engagement also examined how countries that once faced challenges similar to those confronting Nigeria today transformed their economies through competent and purposeful leadership.
He pointed to the following:
- Bangladesh’s remarkable progress in rice production,
- Indonesia’s growth in small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), and,
- India’s efforts to lift 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,” Obi said.
‘Their Votes MUST Count’
Obi said the most significant aspect of his visit was the renewed commitment he witnessed among the people of Rivers State to participate massively in the 2027 elections.
He said the people were not only determined to vote but were also committed to ensuring that their votes are counted and that their mandate is respected.
“My greatest elation today came from the renewed commitment I saw among the good 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,” Obi said.
He added emphatically:
“Let it be recorded that this time around, the people of Rivers State will vote, and their votes MUST count.”
Obi Challenges Rivers to Set Election Standard
Obi argued that only leaders who emerge through a free, fair and credible electoral process can genuinely be called “Excellencies.”
He challenged Rivers State to lead the way in ensuring that the 2027 elections meet the highest standards of electoral credibility.
“Only leaders who emerge from a free, fair, and credible electoral process can truly be called Excellencies,” he said.
“Rivers State can and should set the pace for excellent, free, fair, and credible elections in 2027.”
Obi Thanks NDC Leaders, Supporters
The presidential candidate expressed appreciation to the NDC Vice Presidential Candidate, His Excellency Senator Dr. Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso.
He also felicitated with the party’s Rivers State Governorship Candidate and host, Chief Barr. Dumo Lulu-Briggs, and his team.
Obi also extended his regards to the Rivers State Working Committee of the NDC and the National Working Committee led by National Chairman, Senator Cleopas Moses Zuwoghe.
He also thanked the party’s friends, supporters and well-wishers who participated in what he described as an important engagement.
‘Our Task Is to Rescue Nigeria’
Obi said the NDC’s broader mission was to rescue Nigeria, rebuild its institutions and restore hope to Nigerians.
“Our task is to rescue Nigeria, rebuild our institutions, and restore hope to our people,” he said.
Concluding his message, Obi reaffirmed his belief in the possibility of a better Nigeria.
“A New Nigeria is Possible, and Nigeria will be OK.”
