...NDC candidate says system will complement INEC transmission, not create parallel electoral process
Presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress, NDC, Peter Obi, has disclosed plans to deploy an independent result-transmission system alongside that of the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC to monitor and protect votes in the 2027 general elections.
Obi said the proposed mechanism would enable his campaign to independently track results from polling units and compare them with figures transmitted through the commission’s official system.
The former Anambra State governor made the disclosure during an interview with Arise Television, where he also clarified his recent controversial declaration that he was “ready to die” for his votes.
According to Obi, the proposed arrangement would not amount to establishing a parallel electoral process, but would provide an additional layer of verification aimed at strengthening transparency and preventing manipulation of results.
He said, “We will have our own transmission system. It is not going to be a parallel election. It is going to be a system that will help us monitor what is happening at every polling unit.”
Obi explained that the system would focus on ensuring that votes were properly counted at polling units, recorded and transmitted for independent monitoring.
He added that other political organisations and civil society groups could also develop similar platforms to enhance transparency and public confidence in the electoral process.
The NDC candidate said his remark about being prepared to die for his votes was symbolic and should not be interpreted as an endorsement of violence.
He explained that the statement followed a comment by a supporter who said voters were prepared to defend their votes, stressing that his position was essentially about protecting the sanctity of the electoral mandate.
Obi also renewed his criticism of the conduct of the 2023 presidential election, alleging that the former INEC Chairman, Mahmood Yakubu, worked in favour of the government in power.
He said the credibility of the electoral process would remain central to the struggle for political change in 2027, arguing that Nigerians must have confidence that their votes would count.
On the possibility of an alliance among opposition parties ahead of the 2027 elections, Obi said discussions should be centred on rescuing Nigeria rather than bargaining over political offices.
Asked whether he would step down for former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar if such an arrangement became necessary, Obi said, “I’m a candidate, Atiku is a candidate.”
He, however, left the door open to negotiations, saying he would consider discussions if a genuine alliance emerged with the broader interest of the country as its overriding objective.
The former Anambra governor also rejected attempts to link him personally with the 1966 military coup, noting that he was only about four years old at the time.
Obi further pledged that, if elected president, he would govern with a competent team and pursue policies capable of delivering measurable improvements in the country.
He expressed confidence that Nigerians would notice a significant difference in governance within four years of his administration.
