Peter Obi Warns Riggers Ahead of 2027 Election

By Awwal Owolabi

17 February 2026

Politics

Former Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has issued a stern warning ahead of the 2027 general elections, insisting that any attempt to undermine the electoral process will be met with firm resistance and legal consequences.

In a statement posted on his official X (formerly Twitter) handle on Monday titled “Our Votes Must Count,” the former Anambra State Governor called on Nigerians to remain vigilant and ensure that their ballots are not only cast but accurately tallied and transmitted.

Obi urged voters not to leave polling units immediately after casting their votes, emphasizing that active citizen participation is crucial to safeguarding the integrity of the democratic process.

“I encourage everyone to remain at the polling units after voting to count and witness the counting and transmission of results. Unlike in the past, in 2027 our votes MUST count,” Obi stated.

Taking a harder stance against electoral malpractice, Obi warned that individuals who attempt to obstruct the free and fair conduct of the elections would be held accountable as enemies of the state.

“All those who are there not to count the votes will be counted among those destroying Nigeria. Let me reiterate: if you do not count our votes, we will count you among those who destroy our democracy, thereby destroying our future, and you must answer to the law,” he declared.

He further stressed that those who refuse to allow votes to count would face “the full weight of the law against rigging.”

Obi’s comments come shortly after the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) released the timetable for the 2027 general elections.

According to the schedule, party primaries for the nomination of candidates will take place between May 22 and June 20, 2026.

The Presidential and National Assembly elections are slated for February 20, 2027, while the Governorship and State Assembly polls will follow on March 6, 2027.

The former presidential candidate’s remarks underscore the heightened scrutiny surrounding the upcoming electoral cycle, as opposition figures continue to demand greater transparency and accountability from the electoral umpire.