Peter Obi Vows Votes Must Count in 2027 Elections

Africa, Politics

ABUJA, NIGERIA: Nigeria’s leading opposition figure and presidential aspirant for the 2027 elections, Peter Obi, has vowed that the votes of Nigerians “must count” in the forthcoming polls. His remarks come amid heated debate over the ongoing amendments to the Electoral Act, particularly regarding the electronic transmission of results.

Recall that opposition parties, civil society groups and demonstrators at the National Assembly are calling on the Nigerian Senate to pass a law mandating the electronic transmission of results. They blamed the manual transmission for creating the room for malpractices and election rigging, which they alleged has robbed the country of quality leadership.

In a statement, Obi declared: “Unlike in the past, in 2027 our votes MUST count.” He warned that those who attempt to undermine the process would be “counted among those destroying Nigeria.” The aspirant, who commands the Obidient Movement, urged supporters and citizens to remain at polling units after casting their ballots to witness both the counting and transmission of results.

Obi stressed that anyone who obstructs the proper counting of votes would face “the full weight of the law against rigging.” He added: “If you do not count our votes, we will count you among those who destroy our democracy, thereby destroying our future, and you must answer to the law.”