The 2023 presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Mr. Peter Obi, has urged Nigerian youths to remain vigilant and actively protect their votes in the 2027 general elections, describing civic responsibility as a critical tool for national transformation.

Obi gave the charge on Monday while addressing students and staff of Dominican University, Ibadan, during an interactive session aimed at inspiring young people to embrace leadership, integrity, and active participation in the democratic process.

According to the former governor of Anambra State, meaningful development cannot be achieved through ethnic or regional sentiments, but through knowledge, competence, and responsible governance. He stressed that young people, who constitute a significant portion of Nigeria’s population, hold the key to shaping the country’s political future.

“It is you who will protect your vote, not me,” Obi told the students. “It is our country, but it is your future that is at stake. Development does not come with tribe; it comes with knowledge. Competent leadership is the only way to turn our vast resources into wealth.”

He lamented that despite Nigeria’s abundant human and natural resources, millions of citizens still lack access to basic amenities such as quality education, healthcare, potable water, and reliable electricity. According to him, these deficiencies reflect years of poor leadership and misplaced priorities.

Obi also observed that the era of overreliance on international assistance and globalisation as solutions to domestic challenges is gradually fading, urging Nigerians to focus on building internal capacity and developing homegrown solutions. He maintained that a new and prosperous Nigeria is achievable if citizens, particularly the youth, remain committed to integrity, accountability, and good governance.

“The days of waiting for others to fix our problems are over. We must take responsibility for building a country that we can all be proud of. A new Nigeria is possible, but it must begin with what you learn and practice in your classrooms,” he said.

The former governor further encouraged students to pursue excellence in their studies, develop critical thinking skills, and resist social vices that could derail their ambitions. He noted that education remains the most powerful instrument for personal empowerment and national development.

Responding, the Vice-Chancellor of Dominican University, Professor Jacinta Opara, described Obi’s visit as timely and impactful, noting that it had significantly boosted the morale of both students and staff at the institution.

According to her, the engagement provided a rare opportunity for students to interact with a national leader who exemplifies discipline and commitment to public service. She added that such interactions help nurture responsible citizenship and a consciousness of leadership among young Nigerians.

Professor Opara expressed appreciation to Obi for sharing his experiences and vision with the academic community, noting that the university remains committed to producing graduates who are intellectually sound, morally upright, and socially responsible.

The event ended with a question-and-answer session, during which students raised issues bordering on governance, employment, education funding, and youth inclusion in national development. (The Guardian, excluding headline)