Presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress, NDC, Peter Obi, and his running mate, Rabiu Kwankwaso, have raised concerns over the worsening economic hardship and insecurity in Nigeria, urging citizens to use their votes to determine the country’s direction in the 2027 general election.
The duo made the call in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, during the latest edition of the Obi Talks Nigeria town hall series, which provided an opportunity for participants to engage directly with the candidates through questions and discussions on issues affecting the country.
Obi said Nigerians must take the 2027 election seriously and play an active role in determining the leadership and future of the country. He also expressed his willingness to make personal sacrifices in the interest of Nigeria, while urging citizens to remain committed to demanding better governance.
The NDC presidential candidate also criticised what he described as intimidation and threats allegedly directed at opposition politicians, arguing that those seeking public office should engage directly with Nigerians and present their plans for addressing the country’s challenges.
Kwankwaso, meanwhile, said public frustration over the state of the nation had become widespread, attributing the growing anger to economic hardship, declining purchasing power and what he described as poor governance.
He expressed concern over the difficulties faced by families in meeting basic needs, including education and healthcare, while also drawing attention to deteriorating infrastructure and the worsening security situation.
Kwankwaso particularly highlighted insecurity in Northern Nigeria, where he said communities continue to face attacks and killings, with many residents living in fear.
The NDC governorship candidate in Rivers State, Dumo Lulu-Briggs, also participated in the Port Harcourt engagement and backed the call for Nigerians to take the 2027 election seriously.
The speakers urged citizens to recognise the power of their votes and make informed choices at the polls, stressing that the outcome of the election would have significant implications for the country’s political and socio-economic future.
The Port Harcourt event is part of the Obi Talks Nigeria town hall series, through which Obi and his political team are engaging Nigerians across different states ahead of the 2027 general election.
