Former Governor of Anambra State and 2021 Labour Party presidential candidate, Mr. Peter Obi, has called on the new Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Joash Amupitan, to ensure fairness and transparency in Saturday’s governorship election in Anambra State.
Obi made the appeal at the weekend while addressing journalists after joining the Labour Party’s governorship candidate, Dr. George Moghalu, at a campaign rally in Nnewi.
He urged Amupitan to uphold the integrity of his office and conduct an election that truly reflects the will of the people, stressing that his performance would define his legacy.
“Our expectation is that with the new INEC chairman, we will start on the right note of a free, fair, and credible election. I want the election to be the wish of the people,” Obi said.
“I only urge the new INEC chairman to know that he is in a job where tomorrow people will judge him, and it is going to affect the name his children will bear forever. So it’s left for him to do the right thing.”
The former presidential candidate also confirmed his intention to contest in the 2027 presidential election, clarifying that he remains a member of the Labour Party despite his participation in the broader ADC coalition.
“I’m an aspirant for the 2027 presidential election. I’m strictly a Labour Party member for now. I was only part of the ADC coalition for the 2027 election, but I remain in Labour Party,” he said. “I just joined my party members today to campaign for our candidate, Dr. George Moghalu.”
Obi further expressed concern over the use of abusive language among candidates in the ongoing campaigns, urging a shift toward issue-based debates.
“I was worried at the tone of the campaign initially, and I remember reaching out to those in my party to ensure the campaign is based on issues. There’s no need for name-calling,” he stated. “All those campaigning today are my friends, and I urge the people to assess the candidates and vote according to their conviction.”
