Peter Obi, the Nigeria Democratic Congress presidential candidate, has shared his views on Independent National Electoral Commission chairman Joash Amupitan as the 2027 election looms. Speaking during an interview in Germany, Obi said he hasn't yet met Amupitan since the official took charge of the electoral body.
Obi compared the INEC chairman to a referee, noting that it's impossible to predict whether such officials will act properly or improperly. "I have not met him yet and for me he's a referee and you can't decide if a referee will do the right thing or the wrong thing," he said.
The former Anambra governor emphasised that the real power rests with Nigerian voters during elections. He told reporters that if citizens are determined to prevent wrongdoing, election officials won't be able to act improperly.
"In whatever role they play, the people can decide otherwise. If the people decide that they won't do the wrong thing, they won't do the wrong thing; it's about the people," Obi explained.
He pointed to his own experience watching political systems transform over the years. According to him, citizens have repeatedly pushed back against practices they consider unacceptable.
"I have seen systems change from the time I became governor till today. I have seen people say that we can't have this," he added.
Obi stressed that young Nigerians deserve better prospects and deserve a country that fulfils its potential. He argued that Nigeria's development matters not just to its citizens but to the broader international community, including Europe.
"We are telling the youths that it's about their future. We want a better future because they have a right to a better future," he said.
According to Obi, Nigeria possesses the resources needed to improve significantly. He suggested that Germany and other European nations benefit when Nigeria prospers economically.
"If Nigeria today is booming, then German companies will do more businesses in Nigeria," Obi noted, highlighting the interconnected nature of global prosperity.
