Former Labour Party presidential candidate, Mr Peter Obi, has called on Nigerian youths to take responsibility for protecting their votes during the 2027 general elections. Obi made the appeal while speaking to students of Dominican University in Ibadan on Monday, where he stressed that real change depends on the actions of young people, not politicians alone.

The former Anambra State governor told the students that if they truly desire a better Nigeria, they must be ready to defend their votes. According to him, leaders cannot impose positive change without the active participation of citizens, especially youths who make up a large part of the population. He said development is not based on tribe or ethnicity but on knowledge, competence, and good leadership.

Obi also expressed concern that Nigeria is still struggling to provide basic amenities despite its enormous natural and human resources. He noted that the era of depending heavily on globalization is fading, insisting that Nigeria must now focus on internal growth driven by education and responsible leadership. He added that competent leadership remains the only way to turn the nation’s resources into real wealth for citizens.

Encouraging the students further, Obi said the journey to a “New Nigeria” must begin with awareness, learning, and active civic duty. He reminded them that the future belongs to them and urged them to start shaping it from the classroom. Reacting to the visit, the Vice Chancellor of the university, Professor Jacinta Opara, said Obi’s message had inspired both students and staff, boosting morale across the institution.