Peter Obi, presidential candidate of Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) for the 2027 general election, says Nigerians themselves hold the key to credible elections. Speaking to journalists after attending the burial of Pa Simon Okorie Abaa in Ebonyi State, Obi argues that while the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) will act according to the electorate’s will, citizens must commit to ensuring their votes count. He says confidence in INEC is not enough, because INEC’s actions depend on citizens’ insistence that their votes are recognized. Obi also calls on voters to consider the country’s direction and the future of their children, saying meaningful change requires sacrifice. He links the urgency of political accountability to worsening economic conditions, lamenting increasing poverty and hunger, and citing that about 70 million Nigerians face acute hunger. On concerns about intimidation at polling units, Obi says Nigerians are already “harassed by hunger” and should collectively resist further oppression. Both outlets report Obi’s remarks and his focus on citizen responsibility, economic hardship, and election credibility.