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The presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, has called on eligible Nigerians to participate in the ongoing voter registration exercise, describing it as the first step toward building a “New Nigeria.”
In a statement shared after an impromptu stop at Waru Wazobia in Abuja, Obi said he took the opportunity to engage with residents, particularly youths and women, encouraging them to register to vote.
“Change Begins With Voter Registration”
Obi stressed that the power to transform Nigeria does not begin on Election Day but starts with voter registration.
According to him, registering to vote is more than a civic duty—it is an investment in the country’s future.
“I urge every eligible Nigerian who has not yet registered to do so without delay,” he said.
He also encouraged those who already possess voter cards to mobilise their family members, friends, neighbours, and colleagues to register for the exercise.
Call for Active Citizenship
Obi maintained that meaningful national change requires active participation from citizens rather than passive hope.
He said a better Nigeria would be achieved through the collective efforts of citizens who are willing to participate in the democratic process and contribute to nation-building.
The former governor of Anambra State urged Nigerians to embrace hope, reject political apathy, and remain committed to building a more united and prosperous nation.
“A new Nigeria will not happen through wishful thinking. It will be built by citizens who participate, who believe, and who act,” Obi said.
Obi Questions Priorities of Nigeria’s Leaders
In an earlier post, the NDC presidential candidate questioned the priorities of Nigeria’s political leadership.
He said the country’s worsening insecurity, hunger, and alleged corruption should take precedence over partisan politics.
In the statement posted on his X account, Obi said the country’s current challenges prompted him to reflect on the responsibilities of those entrusted with leadership.
Leadership Under Scrutiny
Obi recalled that while completing his nomination form with the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), he encountered a question asking whether he had ever been adjudged a lunatic or declared to be of unsound mind.
According to him, the question led him to reflect on the conduct of Nigeria’s leaders in light of the country’s pressing problems, including widespread insecurity, kidnappings of citizens and security personnel, attacks on highways, rising hunger, and allegations of the diversion of billions of naira through non-existent agencies and projects.
He argued that these challenges raise concerns about whether the nation’s leaders are demonstrating the qualities expected of sound-minded leadership.
Calls for National Emergency Response
Obi maintained that any responsible government would have declared the situation a national emergency and immediately mobilised security agencies, experts, community leaders, and other stakeholders to tackle the crises.
“At a moment like this, the survival, security, and stability of Nigeria must take precedence over every other consideration,” Obi said.
He added that the country requires decisive action rather than political calculations or partisan interests.
Push for Greater Electoral Transparency
The former governor of Anambra State also called for greater transparency in Nigeria’s electoral process.
Referring to another question in the INEC nomination form that asks candidates whether they have ever submitted forged certificates to the electoral body, Obi urged INEC to publish the academic certificates and other credentials submitted by all candidates seeking elective office.
According to him, making such documents publicly available would strengthen confidence in the electoral process, deepen democracy, and improve public trust.
Obi concluded by urging Nigerian leaders to embrace competence, character, capacity, compassion, and commitment to public service, while reiterating his campaign message: “A New Nigeria is Possible.”
