Frontline Chronicle | Politics
The National Chairman of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Senator Moses Zuwoghe, has expressed confidence in the electoral appeal of the party’s presidential candidate, Peter Obi, declaring that the party’s priority ahead of the 2027 general election is to mobilise voters, strengthen public awareness and protect every legally cast vote.
Zuwoghe said he believes Obi enjoys significant grassroots support, particularly among young Nigerians, who constitute an important segment of the country’s voting population.
Speaking about Obi’s popularity, the NDC chairman challenged journalists and political observers to compare the public reception of the presidential candidate with that of other political figures in everyday settings, including markets, churches, mosques and public streets.
He also referenced Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, the party’s vice-presidential candidate, suggesting that the public response to both candidates reflects the level of support the NDC believes it commands among Nigerians.
According to Zuwoghe, the party is confident in its electoral prospects but recognises that winning an election requires more than public enthusiasm. He warned that concerns about possible electoral manipulation must be addressed through lawful, organised and transparent vote protection.
“Our conviction is that if it’s the votes, we have them,” he said, expressing confidence in the party’s support base.
He added that the responsibility of the party and its supporters was to ensure that the will of the electorate is respected throughout the electoral process.
For Zuwoghe, the work of protecting votes must begin long before election day. He emphasised the importance of voter education and public awareness, arguing that citizens need to understand their electoral rights and the legitimate steps available to them to safeguard their votes.
His remarks place voter mobilisation and electoral accountability at the centre of the NDC’s preparations for the 2027 elections.
As Nigeria approaches another general election, the challenge for political parties will be to translate public support into actual votes while ensuring that the electoral process remains peaceful, credible and transparent.
For Nigerians who want their votes to count, the message is clear: participation must go hand in hand with vigilance. Citizens must register, collect their Permanent Voter Cards, turn out to vote and insist on the lawful protection of their choices.
The NDC chairman’s statement also carries a message of hope for supporters who believe that democratic change remains possible through the ballot box. However, that hope will depend on sustained public participation, credible electoral institutions and the collective commitment of political parties to respect the will of the people.
Ultimately, the strength of Nigeria’s democracy will be measured not simply by the popularity of individual candidates, but by whether every eligible voter can freely cast a ballot and trust that the result reflects the people’s decision.
