The 2023 Presidential candidate of Labour Party, Mr. Peter Obi has warned that the 2027 general election must be free, transparent and credible, saying attempts to manipulate results would face serious legal consequences.
In a message shared on social media on Monday, Mr Obi said the country must move away from elections marked by controversy and disputed outcomes, referring to concerns raised after the 2023 polls.
“Unlike in the past, in 2027 our votes must count,” he said, adding that those who fail to uphold electoral integrity would be held responsible for damaging the nation’s democracy.
Mr Obi urged voters to play an active role in protecting the process by staying at polling units after casting their ballots to observe the counting and transmission of results. He described public vigilance as a key safeguard against electoral malpractice.
He also issued a warning to electoral officials and party agents, saying anyone who deliberately prevents votes from being properly counted would face both public condemnation and the full weight of the law.
“If you do not count our votes,” he said, “we will count you among those who destroy our democracy and our future.”
The comments come as political activity begins to gather pace ahead of the 2027 elections, with renewed debate over electoral reforms, transparency and the role of citizens in safeguarding Nigeria’s democratic process.
