Peter Obi acknowledges cheers from supporters during a town hall meeting in Port Harcourt after receiving a warm welcome from NDC members led by the party's Rivers State governorship candidate, Chief Barr. Dumo Lulu-Briggs.
Presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, has called on the people of Rivers State to play a leading role in ensuring that the 2027 general elections are free, fair and credible, insisting that every vote must count.
Obi made the call during a town hall meeting in Port Harcourt after receiving a warm welcome from party members led by the NDC governorship candidate in Rivers State, Chief Barr. Dumo Lulu-Briggs.
The former Anambra State governor, who disclosed details of the visit in a post shared on his official social media pages, said the engagement followed his attendance at the Daily Times’ centenary celebration in Abuja.
According to him, the Port Harcourt town hall created an opportunity for an interactive session with residents on issues affecting their daily lives, including employment, healthcare, education, security and economic development.
During the discussions, Obi restated his commitment to prioritising sectors he described as critical to national development.
“I reiterated my commitment to investing in the three critical areas that accelerate the development of every nation: education, healthcare, and pulling our people out of poverty,” he said.
Obi also pointed to the experiences of countries that have overcome economic and developmental challenges through effective leadership.
“We examined the experiences of countries that once faced challenges similar to those confronting Nigeria today, and how competent, purposeful, and compassionate leadership transformed their fortunes.
“From Bangladesh and its remarkable progress in rice production, to Indonesia and the growth of its SMEs, and India’s efforts at pulling 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.”
The former presidential candidate expressed optimism over what he described as the growing determination among Rivers residents to actively participate in the next general elections.
“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.”
He stressed the importance of credible elections, declaring that Rivers State has the opportunity to become a model for the rest of the country.
“Let it be recorded that this time around, the people of Rivers State will vote, and their votes MUST count.
“Only leaders who emerge from a free, fair, and credible electoral process can truly be called Excellencies. Rivers State can and should set the pace for excellent, free, fair, and credible elections in 2027.”
Obi also acknowledged the support of key party leaders and members who attended the event, including the NDC Vice Presidential Candidate, Senator Dr. Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso; Rivers governorship candidate, Chief Barr. Dumo Lulu-Briggs; the Rivers State Working Committee; and the party’s National Working Committee led by National Chairman, Senator Cleopas Moses Zuwoghe.
Reaffirming his vision for the country, Obi concluded with a message of hope.
“Our task is to rescue Nigeria, rebuild our institutions, and restore hope to our people.
“A New Nigeria is Possible, and Nigeria will be OK.”
