Obi Assures Supporters on Vote Protection, INEC Transparency and Electoral Intimidation at Port Harcourt Town Hall

 Former presidential candidate Peter Obi has assured supporters that protecting votes and resisting electoral intimidation would be a major priority ahead of Nigeria's next general election.

Obi gave the assurance during an interactive town hall session in Port Harcourt, where participants raised concerns about alleged electoral manipulation, intimidation at polling units, the reliability of election technology, emergency response, education and the country's refineries.

The session formed part of a broader call for political leaders to directly engage Nigerians and answer questions about their plans for the country.

One of the participants, who identified himself as Chisom Kenneth Bali, raised concerns about the ability of political parties and voters to protect their votes.

He expressed fears about possible manipulation of election results and asked what measures could be taken to ensure that votes cast by supporters would be protected.

Another participant asked what voters should do if they faced intimidation at polling units.

Responding, Obi urged Nigerians not to be intimidated and argued that citizens acting collectively could resist attempts to undermine the electoral process.

“There is no way five people will intimidate 60 people, unless they allow themselves to be intimidated,” Obi said, referring to the relationship between election officials and voters at polling units.

He said citizens must peacefully insist that their votes count.

Obi acknowledged concerns about the use of technology in elections and apparent failures in electoral systems.

He suggested that political parties and citizens would pay closer attention to the electoral process and ensure that alternative evidence and records were available where necessary.

“They will try to manipulate the process, but let me tell you, it will not be easy this time,” he said.

Obi criticised repeated technical failures associated with elections, warning that Nigerians could not continue to accept explanations for failures that affect the credibility of the electoral process.

“If they all have glitches, we will give them one that doesn't have glitches,” he said.

According to him, Nigerians must demand accountability from institutions responsible for conducting elections.

The former Anambra State governor urged supporters not to surrender their democratic rights because of threats or intimidation.

He said the responsibility of citizens was to participate peacefully in the electoral process and insist that their votes be respected.

Obi added that police officers, election officials and other public servants were also Nigerians facing many of the same economic difficulties confronting ordinary citizens.

He said Nigerians must work together to demand a credible electoral process rather than allowing fear to determine political participation.

The town hall also featured questions about Nigeria's struggling refinery infrastructure.

One participant asked what Obi would do to improve the country's refineries if elected president.

Another participant raised concerns about emergency management, asking how government could move beyond simply responding to disasters and establish stronger systems for preparedness and prevention.

The question reflected growing concerns about Nigeria's ability to respond quickly and effectively to emergencies and disasters.

A participant who identified himself as an engineering graduate also raised concerns about Nigeria's education system.

He complained about the lack of practical training and industrial exposure for engineering students, saying he studied petrochemical engineering without visiting a refinery during his academic training.

The participant asked what could be done to make education more practical and better connected to industry.

The issue highlighted continuing concerns about the gap between classroom learning and the practical skills required in the labour market.

The town hall ended with Obi encouraging supporters to remain committed to what he described as the mission of rescuing Nigeria.

He urged Nigerians to participate in the democratic process without fear while insisting that political leaders must remain accountable to citizens.

“Don't be intimidated,” Obi told the audience.

The Port Harcourt town hall demonstrated the growing demand for direct engagement between political leaders and citizens as discussions surrounding Nigeria's future political direction continue to intensify.

With concerns over election security, voter intimidation, technology and vote protection continuing to dominate political discussions, the issues raised at the gathering are expected to remain central to debates ahead of the 2027 general elections.