ADC presidential candidate says Nigerians, not institutions alone, will determine the credibility of the 2027 general election

Peter Obi, the Nigeria Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential candidate, has said it is too early to judge the performance of Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) Chairman Joash Amupitan ahead of the 2027 general election, insisting that only the electoral umpire can decide whether to uphold the integrity of the process.

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Speaking during an interview in Germany, Obi said he had not yet met Amupitan since the latter’s appointment and maintained that it would be unfair to form conclusions about the INEC chairman before the election.

“I have not met him yet and for me he’s a referee and you can’t decide if a referee will do the right thing or the wrong thing,” Obi said.

The former Anambra State governor used the interview to renew his appeal to young Nigerians to remain actively involved in shaping the country’s future, describing the 2027 election as a crucial opportunity for citizens to demand better governance.

“We are telling the youths that it’s about their future. We want a better future because they have a right to a better future and that’s what I’m doing every day,” Obi said.

Peter Obi argued that Nigeria possesses the human and natural resources needed to become a prosperous nation, adding that sustained economic growth would benefit not only Nigerians but also European countries with strong commercial ties to Africa’s largest economy.

“You cannot allow this process to continue. It’s a great country that can be turned around, a country that has the resources to be better.

“Again, if Nigeria is doing well today, it’s not only beneficial to Nigerians, it’s beneficial to Europe because you are the closest people to us. If Nigeria today is booming, then German companies will do more business in Nigeria,” he said.

The former presidential candidate also stressed that the credibility of elections ultimately rests with citizens as much as electoral institutions, saying Nigerians have the power to reject wrongdoing regardless of the offices occupied by public officials.

“In whatever role they play, the people can decide otherwise. If the people decide that they won’t do the wrong thing, they won’t do the wrong thing. It’s about the people,” Obi said.

Reflecting on Nigeria’s democratic evolution, Obi said he had witnessed institutional changes over the years, beginning with his tenure as governor, and expressed confidence that citizens could continue to push for reforms.

“I have seen systems change from the time I became governor till today. I have seen people say that we can’t have this,” he added.

Obi’s remarks come as political parties and civil society groups continue to scrutinise preparations for the 2027 general election following widespread debates over the conduct of previous electoral cycles.

Questions surrounding electoral reforms, voter confidence and the independence of INEC remain central to Nigeria’s political discourse.

Also read: Peter Obi says he may not be alive to contest 2027 election

While Obi refrained from either endorsing or criticising Amupitan’s leadership, his comments underscored a broader message that the success of Nigeria’s democracy depends not only on the electoral commission but also on the willingness of citizens and political actors to uphold transparency, accountability and the rule of law.