Uko Nkole accuses the presidency of searching for ways to discredit Peter Obi, urges Nigerians to protect their votes ahead of the 2027 election

A chieftain of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) in Abia State, Uko Nkole, has said the party’s presidential candidate, Peter Obi, will not withdraw from the 2027 presidential race over recent allegations concerning loans reportedly obtained during his tenure as governor of Anambra State.

Nkole, who is the NDC senatorial candidate for Abia North and a former member of the House of Representatives, made the remarks while speaking with journalists.

His comments followed recent reports and allegations by the Anambra State Government concerning outstanding loans associated with the state under Obi’s administration.

Nkole accused the presidency of being interested in the allegations because, according to him, the claims could be used to undermine Obi’s candidacy ahead of the 2027 general election.

He also alleged that Anambra State Governor Charles Soludo was supporting efforts to find damaging information that could affect Obi’s participation in the presidential contest.

The NDC chieftain, however, did not provide evidence to substantiate his allegation that the presidency was behind the claims.

Nkole maintained that the strategy would not force Obi out of the presidential race, arguing that the former Anambra governor had continued to attract public support despite the controversy.

According to him, attempts to discredit Obi could instead increase public interest in his candidacy.

“It gives you the idea that the man has been investigated all round and they found nothing on him.

“Whatever claim that is being peddled that got the presidency attracted is to tell you that it does not wish Nigerians well.

“But unknown to the APC and the presidency, they are helping Obi’s campaign,” Nkole said.

The Abia North senatorial candidate also referenced Obi’s performance in the 2023 presidential election, when the Labour Party candidate emerged as a major contender and secured significant support, particularly among younger voters and in parts of southern Nigeria.

Nkole alleged that the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and the presidency remained concerned about the political momentum associated with Obi and were therefore looking for ways to weaken his candidacy ahead of 2027.

Nkole warns INEC over election transmission

The NDC chieftain also turned his attention to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), urging the electoral body to ensure that technical challenges do not undermine the credibility of the 2027 elections.

He specifically warned against what he described as a repeat of explanations involving network or connectivity problems during the 2023 presidential and National Assembly elections.

Nkole said Nigerians would not accept another situation in which technical difficulties were cited as a reason for problems with the transmission or management of election results.

He urged voters to remain vigilant on election day and actively protect their ballots throughout the electoral process.

“Nigerians should be vigilant on election day by protecting their votes and should even be prepared to provide hotspots to INEC officials if they claim that there is no network,” he said.

His comments come as political parties and presidential hopefuls begin preparations for the 2027 elections, with questions over candidates, alliances, electoral reforms and the credibility of the voting process expected to remain prominent in the political debate.

Obi’s political camp has continued to position him as a major contender for the 2027 presidency, while his opponents and critics have raised questions about his record in Anambra and other aspects of his political career.

The latest controversy over alleged outstanding loans is therefore likely to remain part of the wider political debate surrounding Obi as the 2027 election approaches.