The Leader of the Obidient Movement in the South East, Dr. Ezeh Emmanuel Ezeh, has declared that a Peter Obi presidency in 2027 offers the most plausible and feasible strategy to rescue Nigeria from what he described as buccaneers and electoral saboteurs undermining the country’s democracy.

Speaking with journalists after Saturday’s by-elections across several constituencies, Dr. Ezeh said the polls once again exposed deep-seated electoral malpractice, including vote-buying, intimidation, and violence.

He argued that these tactics have become the standard operating procedure of the ruling party, warning that unless patriotic opposition parties unite, Nigerians risk losing their democracy to desperate politicians.

“Last weekend’s by-election showed clearly that non-performing incumbents are afraid of voter revolt. Yet, instead of focusing on rescuing Nigeria, some politicians are calculating how power will favour them. Nigerians must resolve to speak with one voice in 2027,” he said.

Dr. Ezeh, who contested in the 2023 National Assembly elections, noted that voter apathy continues to aid rigging, stressing that the only antidote is mass participation backed by a united opposition coalition.

He accused the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) of systematically eroding due process, pointing to arbitrary contract awards, unchecked corruption, and a complicit National Assembly leadership.

“Contracts have been and are being awarded without competitive bidding. Corruption, which was the basis of sacking PDP in 2015, is being nurtured with the national cake. Some politicians are amassing illicit funds to buy votes in 2027. Nigerians must open their eyes,” he said.

Dr. Ezeh also condemned recent developments such as the alleged constitutional breaches in the declaration of emergency in Rivers State, lopsided federal appointments, and President Bola Tinubu’s prolonged foreign trips without transmitting power to his deputy.

“Are all these developments normal? Why are Nigerians not talking about them, instead of quarrelling over Peter Obi’s offer to serve a single term?” he queried.

Ezeh strongly defended Mr. Peter Obi’s proposal to serve for only one term if elected president in 2027, describing it as a pragmatic and stabilizing strategy that respects Nigeria’s power rotation principle.

“Those attacking Peter Obi’s one-term pledge are falling into the trap of the powers that be. If voters have the power to vote out even non-performing incumbents, why should a voluntary one-term offer be a problem? It is about national unity and progress,” he argued.

He dismissed oppositeion voices criticising Obi within coalition ranks, warning that they risk unwittingly playing into the hands of the APC.

The Obidient leader appealed to political leaders in northern Nigeria to rally behind Obi’s 2027 bid, insisting that the region holds the key to Nigeria’s unity, stability, and shared prosperity.

“The north must uphold inclusivity, fairness, and equity. Supporting Obi is the surest path to healing Nigeria and delivering a future of shared prosperity,” he stated.

Dr. Ezeh urged Nigerians to demand urgent electoral reforms, warning that without transparent elections, rent-seeking politics and vote-buying would persist.

“Transparent elections are the foundation of democracy. Once the government upholds the constitution and guarantees credible polls, the reign of electoral saboteurs will end. Nigerians must insist on this if the country is to move forward,” he said. (Nigerian Tribune)