•Says: ‘I’m in the race for a new Nigeria’

By PAMELA EBOH, Awka

The Presidential Candidate of Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Mr Peter Obi, on Thursday embarked on a tour of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC)’s Continuous Voters Registration (CVR) designated centres in Anambra State.

Addressing a press conference shortly after the tour at Nise Community Civic Centre Nise in Awka South Local Government Area of the State, Obi said that he is in the race for a new Nigeria.

He called on residents of the state to come out en masse and participate in the ongoing exercise to enable them exercise their civic responsibility during the voting proper.

Obi said: “I am in my state, Anambra today, to sensitize and to encouraged my people to participate fully on the ongoing nationwide INEC Continuous Voters Registration CVR exercise.

“Voter registration is the first and most important step towards achieving good governance. I call on eligible Nigerians, particularly young people, not to wait until Election Day but to register now and secure their right to shape the nation’s future in the January elections.”

Reacting to Obi unexpected visit to the Nise center, a young prospective voter who introduced himself as Mr. Kennedy Okafor said that Obi’s presence had strengthened his resolve to participate actively in the electoral process.

He said: “I came here simply to register, but seeing Mr. Obi in person has reminded me that our votes truly matter. His message encouraged all of us not to take this exercise for granted.”

An elderly resident at the Nri registration centre, Chief Godfrey Obidi, expressed appreciation for the visit, saying that it demonstrated that leaders should remain connected to ordinary citizens.

“He did not come here for a campaign rally. He simply stopped by, encouraged us, shook hands with people and reminded everyone of the importance of registration. That simple gesture meant a lot to us.

“People became more excited and hopeful. Many of us left with a renewed determination to encourage our family members and neighbours who are yet to register to do so before the deadline.”

“Though entirely unplanned, the visits reinforced Obi’s consistent message that active citizenship begins with voter registration and that meaningful national transformation starts with the participation of every eligible Nigerian”, he added.

Obi also visited Nrijiofor Primary School, Nri, in Anaocha Local Government Area of the State where he interacted with the INEC-CVR officials and prospective voters on mutual support.

It was gathered that the tour came barely few days after INEC uploaded his name as the candidate of NDC ahead of the January 16th 2027 Presidential election.