Obi Warns Against Election Rigging, Umeh Supports Call

Peter Obi, the presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), issued a warning during a town hall meeting in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, stating that Nigerians would resist any attempts to manipulate votes in the upcoming 2027 general election. Obi emphasized that voters expect their ballots to be accurately counted, declaring, “Our votes this time must count, and whoever doesn’t count it, we will count the person.” Senator Victor Umeh, representing Anambra Central Senatorial District, defended Obi's statement, asserting it was a call for credible elections rather than an incitement to violence.

Umeh urged the Independent National Electoral Commission and other stakeholders to ensure transparency throughout the electoral process. He stated that the best way to prevent post-election unrest is to conduct trustworthy elections.

Umeh further argued that any crisis resulting from the 2027 elections would stem from electoral manipulation, not from Obi's warning, which he described as a patriotic call to duty.