The presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, has called on Nigerians to place national unity above ethnic and religious considerations and support a candidate capable of bringing the country together ahead of the 2027 general election.

Obi also urged citizens to protect their votes by remaining at polling units until ballots are counted, insisting that credible elections can only be guaranteed when voters actively participate in safeguarding the electoral process.

Speaking during a Digital Global Town Hall streamed live on Zoom, YouTube and other social media platforms on Sunday evening, as presented by the spokesperson of his Media Reach, Idris Zekeri Jnr. in a statement, the former Anambra State governor addressed Nigerians at home and in the diaspora on voter mobilization, election security and measures to ensure free, fair and transparent elections.

According to him, Nigeria’s challenges cut across ethnic and religious lines, making national unity a prerequisite for meaningful development and progress.

“Our country needs unity. At present, we are not united. We are divided along ethnic and religious lines, yet no tribe buys bread at a lower price and no tribe buys fuel at a lower price. Similarly, no religion buys bread or fuel at a lower price,” Obi said.

He noted that poverty, insecurity and economic hardship affect all Nigerians regardless of tribe or religion, stressing that the country requires a president who can unite the people and provide effective leadership.

“The poverty affecting our country today is widespread across the entire nation. No tribe enjoys greater security than another. Insecurity affects every part of the country. This is the same point I have consistently made,” he added.

The NDC flag bearer charged his supporters and party faithful to intensify voter mobilization efforts and ensure the deployment of polling agents across the country during the election.

He said Nigerians who desire change must not only vote but also remain vigilant throughout the electoral process to ensure that every vote counts.

Obi disclosed that his campaign is focused on expanding its network of polling agents and collaborating with other political parties and stakeholders committed to credible elections.

He further cautioned voters against allowing money or intimidation to influence their choices at the polls, warning that such actions could undermine the country’s future.

“If you accept money from them, that is money they would otherwise have spent on security, hospitals and education,” he stated.

On security, Obi called for greater support for security agencies, emphasizing the need to provide them with adequate logistics, equipment and welfare packages to enable them effectively protect lives and property.

“We have security agencies, and they must function effectively. We must provide them with the logistics they need to perform their duties and ensure that we stand by them. We must make certain that they are properly equipped and that their families are cared for if anything happens to them. We need a president who will lead from the front,” he said.

The former governor reiterated the need for citizens to remain at their polling units after casting their votes until the counting process is completed, describing it as a critical step towards protecting the sanctity of the ballot.

The Digital Global Town Hall forms part of Obi’s ongoing mobilization efforts ahead of the 2027 presidential election, with voter education, vote protection and grassroots participation featuring prominently in the campaign’s engagement strategy.