Former Anambra State governor and Nigeria Democratic Congress presidential candidate Peter Obi has told Nigerians not to support his 2027 presidential ambition because he is Igbo. He said votes should be based on competence, capacity, compassion and character rather than ethnicity or rotational claims.
Obi made the remarks on Sunday during a TikTok livestream with Nigerian content creators. He stated that the country needs a political culture in which voters can openly examine candidates and reject those who lack the required qualifications.
“I don’t want people to follow me, vote for me because it’s my turn because I’m an Igbo man. I don’t, I’m not looking for sympathy. I want a fair competition based on competence, yes, based on capacity, based on compassion, based on commitment,” he said.
He added that Nigerians should be able to look at any aspirant and declare them unqualified if they do not possess the attributes needed for the office of president.
The comments came after a content creator who identified himself as an Obi supporter and manages more than 300 creators from the United Kingdom explained why he continues to promote the former governor. The creator cited Obi’s reputation for prudence and modesty and asked how supporters could encourage greater participation despite lingering disappointment over past elections.
Obi responded by highlighting the low turnout in the 2023 presidential election. He said about 94 million Nigerians were registered to vote but only approximately 25 million took part. He described the figure as too low and called for stronger civic education so that more eligible voters turn out in future polls.
He urged citizens not only to vote but to remain at polling units until results are counted and then follow the results to collation centres. “When that happens, and when they vote, they stay there until their vote is counted. They follow it to the collation centre. That is what we need to do,” Obi said.
Obi also warned against electoral manipulation and criticised university lecturers and other educated professionals who, he alleged, assist in compromising elections. He argued that such conduct undermines the country’s future and insisted that elections must be free, fair and credible.
On accountability, he said governors and presidents seeking re-election should present their records of achievement rather than rely on other considerations.
The livestream formed part of ongoing engagement by the NDC candidate with online audiences as political activities ahead of the 2027 general election continue to gather pace
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