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Pushes credible, transparent elections • Anyanwu: Polls must reflect voters’ choices
From Adesuwa Tsan, Abuja
Ahead of the 2027 general elections, presidential candidate of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, has engaged members of the Congressional Black Caucus in the United States Congress on developments in Nigeria, democratic governance and the need for credible elections.
The engagement in Washington, D.C., came amid growing political activities ahead of next year’s elections and concerns over strengthening public confidence in Nigeria’s electoral process.
Discussions with the US lawmakers touched on the conduct of free, fair and transparent elections as well as broader issues affecting Nigeria’s democratic development.
Obi’s engagement with the Congressional Black Caucus formed part of a series of meetings during his visit to Washington, where he also met Nigerians in the Diaspora, political stakeholders and professionals.
The diaspora engagement was attended by the NDC candidate for Okigwe North Federal Constituency, Chidi Mike Anyanwu, with discussions focusing on governance, economic development, democratic accountability and the role Nigerians abroad could play in national development.
Speaking after the engagements, Anyanwu said strengthening public confidence in the electoral process was critical to Nigeria’s democratic stability, insisting that election results must reflect the choices made by voters.
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“Democracy becomes meaningful when the people are confident that their votes count and that leadership ultimately reflects their will. Nigeria must continue strengthening its institutions to ensure that every election is free, fair, transparent and credible,” he said.
Anyanwu said the credibility of elections went beyond determining who occupied political offices, arguing that confidence in the electoral system was critical to political stability, economic confidence and the legitimacy of government.
He urged Nigerians in the Diaspora to deepen their involvement in national development beyond remittances by deploying their investments, professional expertise, knowledge and international networks to support economic and institutional growth.
According to him, Nigerians living abroad constitute an important reservoir of skills, capital and global connections that could contribute significantly to the country’s development.
Obi, while interacting with participants, stressed the need for accountable leadership, stronger institutions and an economy capable of expanding opportunities for Nigeria’s predominantly young population.
The Washington engagements came as political parties and candidates intensify preparations for the 2027 elections, with the credibility of the electoral process and public confidence in democratic institutions increasingly featuring in political discourse.
