By Nkechi Eze
The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) has warned against attempts to manipulate votes in the 2027 general elections, declaring its readiness to defend its electoral mandate and ensure that the will of Nigerians prevails at the polls.
The National Chairman of the party, Senator Cleopas Moses gave the warning on Saturday during a press briefing, assuring party supporters and Nigerians that the NDC would take all lawful measures to protect its votes before, during and after the elections.
Zuweghe expressed concern over what he described as misinformation intended to discourage Nigerians from coming out to vote, insisting that every vote must count in determining the outcome of the elections.
“Allow votes to count or be counted,” he declared, warning those he accused of planning to undermine the electoral process that the party would not surrender its mandate.
He said the NDC was committed to a fair contest but remained prepared to defend its interests within the law, particularly if President Bola Ahmed Tinubu failed to ensure a level playing field for all political parties.
According to him, the party was already identifying committed members to serve as polling and collation agents to monitor the electoral process and safeguard its votes against possible manipulation.
“We shall match the APC fire-for-fire before, during and after the election until May 29, 2027,” Zuweghe said, expressing confidence that the NDC presidential candidate and other candidates of the party would be inaugurated after the elections.
The NDC chairman also insisted that election results should be declared by the appropriate presiding officers in accordance with the law, rather than leaving electoral outcomes to be determined through litigation.
While reaffirming the party’s confidence in the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and the judiciary, he called on security and intelligence agencies to remain visibly non-partisan throughout the electoral process.
Zuweghe further urged President Tinubu to prioritise national interest over personal political ambition, citing former President Goodluck Jonathan as an example of a leader who, according to him, placed the country’s stability above the pursuit of power.
On preparations for the elections, the NDC chairman disclosed that the party would convene a meeting of its National Executive Committee (NEC) on October 20, 2026, to ratify key decisions concerning the 2027 general elections.
He added that the party would present Certificates of Return to its candidates and inaugurate its Presidential Campaign Council as part of efforts to strengthen its preparations for the polls.
Zuweghe said the NDC had fielded candidates for all elective positions, including the presidency, Senate, House of Representatives, governorships and state Houses of Assembly, dismissing claims that the party was not committed to participating in the elections.
He also commended Nigerians, particularly young people, who had formed support groups for the party and its candidates, while warning against what he described as attempts by political opponents to establish fake support groups within the NDC to undermine its activities.
The party chairman maintained that the NDC leadership and members were determined to challenge the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in 2027, which he described as an opportunity for Nigerians to change the country’s political direction.
“Nigeria must work again,” he declared.
