By George Omagbemi Sylvester
Former Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi has expressed confidence that Nigeria will conduct a free, fair, and credible election in 2027 despite growing concerns over political tensions and electoral preparations ahead of the polls.
Obi made the remarks on May 11, 2026, during the national convention of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), where he said Nigerians would ultimately decide their leaders through credible democratic processes.
He also blamed the country’s worsening economic hardship on corruption and poor leadership, insisting that Nigeria had been “looted into poverty.”
At the same event, former presidential candidate Gbenga Olawepo-Hashim criticised the timetable released by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), describing it as “unlawful, unworkable and insensitive” to Nigeria’s political and religious realities.
He warned that the compressed schedule could trigger internal party crises and heighten political tension ahead of the 2027 elections.
Hashim specifically faulted the scheduling of key political activities around periods of Hajj and Ileya celebrations, arguing that such timing could create logistical and security challenges nationwide.
The comments come amid increasing political realignments, coalition talks, and early campaigns ahead of Nigeria’s next general election.
Leave a Reply