Peter Onwubuasi Gregory Obi, presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress, declared on Thursday, September 3, 2026, in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, that he was prepared to risk his life to protect his votes in Nigeria’s 2027 presidential election.
Obi made the declaration during an “Obi Talks Nigeria” town hall meeting with voters in Port Harcourt, where he spoke about the need for Nigerians to defend their electoral choices and ensure that votes cast at polling units are counted.
He said neither he nor his supporters would allow intimidation to determine the outcome of the election.
According to reports of the meeting, Obi said he was ready to die while protecting his votes, stressing that the 2027 election would not be treated in the same manner as the 2023 poll.
“Nobody will intimidate us again,” Obi was quoted as saying.
He also warned those who might attempt to manipulate the election, saying Nigerians would resist efforts to undermine their votes.
The comments come as Obi begins his campaign under the NDC banner after emerging as the party’s presidential candidate for the 2027 election.
His campaign was formally launched in August, with the former Anambra State governor presenting an economic message focused on transforming Nigeria from a consumption-driven economy into one centred on production.
Obi’s political position has shifted considerably since the 2023 presidential election, when he contested under the Labour Party and finished third behind Bola Ahmed Tinubu of the All Progressives Congress and Atiku Abubakar of the Peoples Democratic Party.
He later moved to the African Democratic Congress before joining the newly formed NDC, where Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso is serving as his running mate for the 2027 contest. Reports in July said Obi and Kwankwaso had reached an understanding under which Obi would serve one term if elected.
At the Port Harcourt meeting, however, the focus was firmly on the electoral process and the determination of Obi and his supporters to ensure that their votes are protected.
The declaration adds a forceful note to the early campaign season, as political parties and candidates intensify efforts to mobilise voters ahead of the 2027 presidential election.
AbdulBasit Saba is a journalist and contributor to Freelanews.com, covering news, business, and public affairs.
