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According to a report by Punch on Saturday, June 13, 2026, the presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, has stated that elections in Nigeria are often manipulated due to the failure of citizens to take ownership of the electoral process and actively protect their votes.
He made the remarks while speaking on the state of Nigeria’s democracy, stressing that electoral credibility depends not only on institutions and political leaders but also on the active participation and responsibility of voters.
Obi emphasized that the integrity of elections is directly linked to the commitment of citizens to ensure that their choices are properly recorded and defended.
The former Anambra State governor made the comments during a recent visit to Washington, D.C., in a video that began trending on Saturday.
In the video, he addressed concerns about the challenges facing Nigeria’s democratic system, including issues related to electoral fraud, voter apathy, and the broader struggle to establish transparent electoral processes.
He noted that discussions around democracy in Nigeria often focus on political actors and institutions while overlooking the critical role that ordinary citizens must play in shaping credible outcomes.
Obi further explained that political leaders alone cannot guarantee free, fair, and credible elections unless voters themselves are determined to protect the sanctity of their ballots.
He stressed that democracy requires collective responsibility, where citizens not only vote but also remain vigilant throughout the entire electoral process.
According to him, the strength of any democratic system lies in the willingness of the electorate to demand accountability and resist manipulation at different stages of voting and result collation.
He also highlighted the recurring challenges that have affected elections in Nigeria over the years, including allegations of rigging, voter intimidation, and manipulation of results.
Obi maintained that these issues persist partly because citizens often disengage after casting their votes, thereby allowing room for irregularities.
He suggested that a more active and informed electorate would significantly reduce opportunities for electoral malpractice and strengthen trust in democratic institutions.
The NDC presidential candidate reiterated that his commitment to electoral reform includes encouraging civic responsibility among Nigerians.
He stated that protecting votes is not solely the duty of political candidates or electoral bodies but a shared obligation that requires vigilance from every eligible voter.
Obi added that without a collective determination by citizens to ensure that their votes count, efforts to improve the electoral system may continue to face setbacks.
He said, “Elections are rigged in Nigeria because Nigerians want it to be rigged. It’s as simple as ABC. I will do whatever is possible to protect the votes, but unless Nigerians decide that their votes will count, it will not count.”
