Photo Credit: The Sun Nigeria / Original photo from The Sun report
Obi Says He Won’t Repeat 2023 Trust in INEC Ahead of 2027 Polls
Presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, has said he and his supporters will not place the same level of trust in the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for the 2027 general election as they did in 2023.

Obi said the experience of the last presidential election taught him and his supporters a lesson on the need to take personal responsibility for protecting their votes.

Speaking on his plans for 2027, the former Anambra State Governor accused the INEC leadership during the 2023 polls of failing to meet expectations, despite assurances of transparency.

“In 2023 we took things for granted. We believed INEC. We believed what they said they would do,” Obi said.

He alleged that the then INEC Chairman, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, assured the public that the Commission would conduct a credible election, but claimed he was working in favour of the opposition.

“The INEC Chairman convinced the world that he would do the right thing, when in fact he was working for the opposition,” he said.

Obi said going into 2027, the NDC will take extra steps to monitor and safeguard votes instead of relying solely on the electoral body.

“This time, we will only trust them by doing the right thing ourselves,” he said.

As part of those measures, he disclosed plans to replicate INEC’s election results viewing portal to independently track results and increase transparency.

Addressing his recent comment in Port Harcourt about being ready to “die” for votes, Obi said the statement was symbolic. He explained he was responding to a supporter who said, “This time, we are ready to die for our votes,” and his reply was meant to show solidarity and commitment to ensuring votes count.

His remarks come as political activities intensify ahead of the 2027 general election, where electoral transparency and credibility are expected to be key issues.
Source: The Sun Nigeria