The presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, has called on the international community to support Nigerians’ right to freely elect their leaders in a peaceful and credible electoral process ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Obi made the appeal after meeting with ambassadors of European Union (EU) member countries in Abuja, where discussions focused on Nigeria’s economic situation, governance and the forthcoming elections.
In a statement posted on his official X handle on Friday, November 6, the former Anambra State governor disclosed that the meeting took place on Thursday, November 5, a day after his engagement with the British High Commissioner to Nigeria.
He said the discussions addressed the rising cost of living, the welfare of Nigerians, the state of governance and preparations for the next general elections.
Obi said he used the opportunity to urge European diplomats and the wider international community to support efforts to protect Nigeria’s democratic process and ensure voters could make their choices without intimidation or interference.
He stated: “I reiterated my appeal to the international community to support the democratic right of Nigerians to freely and fairly choose their leaders in a peaceful environment.
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“The international community should stand with the Nigerian people in defending this fundamental right.”
The NDC candidate stressed that the freedom of citizens to determine who governs them remained central to democratic governance, urging stakeholders to protect that principle as the country approaches another election cycle.
“The very essence of democracy is respect for the right of citizens to freely make their choices and determine who governs them,” he added.
Obi also expressed appreciation to the European Union Commission for facilitating the engagement, describing it as an important opportunity to discuss issues affecting Nigeria and its democratic future.
The meeting comes amid growing political tensions and concerns over the preparations for the 2027 general elections, particularly following recent developments surrounding opposition parties and the legal dispute over the leadership of the African Democratic Congress (ADC).
Obi has recently raised concerns about the implications of the ADC leadership crisis, warning that uncertainty surrounding political parties and candidates could undermine confidence in the electoral process.