Presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, has urged voters in Rivers State to approach the 2027 general elections with greater vigilance, insisting that citizens must protect the value of their votes.

Obi made the call at the NDC Obi-Talks town hall in Rivers State, where he stressed that active participation by citizens would be critical to determining the country’s political direction.

In a message posted on his X handle on Friday, the former Anambra State governor said Nigerians could no longer afford political apathy when decisions made through the ballot would shape their future.

He urged voters to treat their ballots as a tool for demanding accountability and change, stressing that every vote should reflect the choice of the electorate.

Obi also renewed his call for credible elections, arguing that democracy could only produce legitimate leadership when electoral processes were free, transparent and protected from manipulation.

He criticised the violence, malpractice and other irregularities that have characterised some previous elections, saying such practices undermine citizens’ confidence in democracy.

The NDC presidential candidate therefore appealed to Rivers residents and Nigerians generally to remain engaged throughout the electoral process, from voter participation to the protection and counting of ballots.

According to Obi, the responsibility for achieving a better political system does not rest solely with candidates or political parties but also with citizens who must insist on credible elections.

Obi said Nigerians must recognise the power of their votes and use the 2027 election to make their collective voice count, urging citizens not to remain passive while decisions about the country’s future are being made.