Former Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has renewed his demand for urgent and comprehensive electoral reforms ahead of Nigeria’s 2027 general elections, calling on the National Assembly to act in the interest of the people.
In a statement shared on Tuesday via his official 𝕏 account, Obi stressed that the credibility of future elections depends on reforms that genuinely reflect the will of Nigerians and uphold electoral integrity.
The former Anambra State governor disclosed that he took part in a peaceful protest at the National Assembly on Monday as a show of solidarity with citizens advocating for transparent and credible elections.
Strict Eligibility Checks
According to Obi, anyone aspiring to public office must be subjected to strict eligibility checks.
He argued that aspirants should be required to present verifiable records of their primary, secondary, and tertiary education, in addition to meeting constitutional criteria such as age and professional qualifications.
He maintained that leadership positions should only be occupied by individuals who have passed through a transparent and lawful process.
Obi also emphasised the importance of open campaigns, public engagement, and debates, noting that these are essential components of democratic accountability.
Central to his demands, he said, is the compulsory electronic and real-time transmission of election results, which he described as critical to safeguarding voters’ mandates and preventing manipulation.
Outdated Explanations
Responding to concerns reportedly raised by Senate President Godswill Akpabio regarding the feasibility of electronic transmission of results, Obi dismissed claims that poor network coverage in some states could hinder the process.
He argued that such explanations are outdated, pointing out that banks and financial institutions successfully operate secure digital systems nationwide on a daily basis.
He further lamented Nigeria’s reputation on the continent, saying the country must move away from practices that undermine its status as Africa’s largest democracy and instead become a model of good governance, starting with credible elections.
Calling on young Nigerians to remain resolute, Obi urged them not to abandon their push for reforms. He said the country owes its youth a future built on justice, order, and trust, rather than one plagued by impunity and disorder.
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Reaffirming his long-held stance, Obi concluded that the vision of a “New Nigeria” remains achievable, insisting that meaningful change is inevitable if citizens continue to stand together and demand accountability.