The presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) in the 2027 general elections, Peter Obi, has urged Nigerians to prioritise national unity and support a leader capable of bringing the country together.

Obi said Nigeria could not achieve meaningful development while divided along ethnic, religious and regional lines, stressing the need for a president who would unite the people and address the challenges confronting the nation.

The former Anambra State governor made the remarks during a global digital town hall held virtually on Sunday evening, where he spoke to Nigerians at home and abroad on voter mobilisation, election security and measures to safeguard the electoral process.

He urged Nigerians who intend to elect their preferred candidates to take responsibility for protecting their votes by remaining at their polling units until the ballots are counted.

Obi also called on his supporters to intensify voter mobilisation and ensure that polling agents are deployed across the country, stressing that “our country needs unity.”

In a statement issued on Monday by the spokesperson of the Peter Obi Media Office, POMR, Idris Zekeri, the NDC candidate said the divisions in the country had not translated into better living conditions for any ethnic or religious group.

“At present, we are not united. We are divided along ethnic and religious lines, yet, to the best of my knowledge, 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.

“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,” Obi said.

He said Nigeria needed a president capable of uniting its citizens while working relentlessly to tackle insecurity and restore confidence in the country.

Obi said his campaign was focused on expanding its network of polling agents and working with other political parties to promote free, fair and credible elections.

He also warned Nigerians against allowing money or intimidation to influence their choices at the polls, saying such actions could have serious consequences for the country's future.

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

On insecurity, Obi called for greater support for security agencies, including adequate logistics, equipment and welfare provisions to enable them to effectively protect Nigerians.

“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 or they become unavailable. We need a president who will lead from the front,” he said.

The former Anambra governor further urged Nigerians to remain actively involved in the electoral process, particularly on election day, by staying at their polling units after voting until the ballots had been counted.

He maintained that citizens have an important role to play in protecting their votes and ensuring that the outcome of the 2027 presidential election reflects the will of the electorate.