Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has urged Nigerian youths to actively participate in the 2027 general election, saying good governance is essential to building a country where talent can thrive.
Obi made the call in a statement titled, “Beyond Football: The Match for a Better Nigeria,” in which he drew parallels between the organisation and success of European football and the need for effective governance in Nigeria.
He said that Nigeria has no shortage of talented footballers, noting that many Nigerian players have excelled in Europe because they found systems that reward merit, invest in infrastructure and operate with discipline and accountability.
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According to Obi, the success of football in developed countries is linked to broader systems of governance, including infrastructure, security, healthcare, transportation, electricity and strong institutions.
He said Nigeria possesses the talent needed to build a competitive football industry and a prosperous nation, but requires leadership capable of creating an enabling environment for citizens to succeed.
“As I have decided, in the next 150 days, to engage Nigerian youths wherever they gather, in town halls, campuses, online spaces, and even football communities my message is simple: The future you admire in Europe can be built in Nigeria. But it starts with your vote,” Obi said.
He urged young Nigerians to see the 2027 presidential election as an opportunity to determine the kind of country they want.
Obi said a better Nigeria would have a competitive domestic football league, modern stadiums, stronger sponsorship for clubs, better-trained coaches and opportunities that would reduce the pressure on young footballers to leave the country in search of better prospects.
He maintained that Nigeria’s development would not come through wishful thinking, urging youths to treat elections with the same passion they demonstrate while following European football.
“The 2027 presidential election is therefore more than a political contest. It is an opportunity for Nigerian youths to choose the kind of country they want,” he said.
Obi further called on young Nigerians to participate actively in the electoral process, stressing the importance of voting and defending their votes.
He said the country’s greatest challenge was not a lack of talent but the need to establish systems that would allow Nigerians to maximise their potential.
“Stand up. Mobilise. Vote. Defend your vote,” Obi urged.
Obi also announced plans to continue engaging Nigerian youths over the next 150 days as part of his campaign for greater political participation ahead of the 2027 election.
He said his weekly messages would serve as reminders of the January 16, 2027 election and the role young Nigerians could play in shaping the country’s future.
Obi urged Nigerian youths to believe that world-class standards could be achieved within the country, insisting that building a better Nigeria was in their hands.
