Obi clarifies ‘ready to die’ comment, says it was symbolic
The 2027 presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress, Peter Obi, has clarified his recent comment that he was ready to “die” for his votes, saying the statement was symbolic and not a call for violence.
Obi said he made the remark in response to a participant at a recent gathering in Port Harcourt who said Nigerians were prepared to die to defend their votes.
The former Anambra State governor explained this during an interview on Arise TV on Thursday.
He said the comment was intended to demonstrate his commitment to ensuring that votes cast by Nigerians were protected and counted.
Obi said, “Well, you see, people didn’t listen. What I did in Port Harcourt is more of listening to the people. It wasn’t me talking. They were asking questions.
“And one of them said, we are prepared to die this time to defend our votes. And I said to encourage them that I’m prepared to die with them. It’s symbolic.
“What we are saying is that we are prepared to ensure that our vote counts, and it must count.”
The comment had generated reactions after Obi told supporters in Port Harcourt that he was prepared to die to protect his votes ahead of the 2027 presidential election.
Asked how he intended to ensure that votes counted, Obi said his team would monitor results from polling units and have them transmitted to its situation room.
He said, “We must make sure that at every polling unit, the votes are counted, the votes are recorded properly, the votes are transmitted properly.
“And we will have even a dual transmission so that as it’s going to the proper designated INEC portal, it’s also being transmitted where the people can see it.” Obi mourns Olu Jacobs, says actor represented Nigerian excellence Anambra debt row: Obidient coordinator shares Obi’s 2014 handover report Morning recap: NLC demands action on N1,500/litre petrol, endless anguish on Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, other top stories
The interviewer asked whether Obi’s plan to have multiple systems monitoring the election amounted to a parallel system.
“No, not at all. All we are saying is that this time around, we will make sure that in every polling unit, we must have a system that transmits to our own situation room the correct results.
“And I’m sure there’s so many other agencies that intend to do the same thing. So we’re not going to have a situation where somebody just pronounces something that didn’t emanate from the polling unit.
“Our task is to make sure that the right things are done,” Obi replied.
Obi also confirmed that his camp would have an alternative system for recording results from polling units, insisting that the arrangement was aimed at ensuring transparency rather than conducting a parallel election.
He said a free and transparent election was achievable, citing Ghana as an example.
“There’s nothing difficult in having a simple, free, transparent election. It happens in Ghana, across here. It happens everywhere.
“So why would we always be involved in something that is negative?” he asked.
Obi further described the 2027 election as a contest between Nigerians and the government, rather than one primarily defined by political parties.
“This election, remember, is not about parties. It’s people versus the government. Nigeria was getting it right this time,” he said.
Fawzi Kehinde
Fawzi is a journalist and subeditor covering a wide range of beats including politics, metro, and international news, among others. He also optimises stories for digital audiences.
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