An advocate for environmental sustainability, youth development and Pan-Africanism, Arc. Stevens Benkos-Nwokolo, has congratulated the presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Mr. Peter Obi, on his emergence as the party’s flag bearer for the 2027 presidential election. He described Obi as “a light that will illuminate the nation.”
Benkos-Nwokolo said Obi represents more than a party candidate; he embodies a movement for a better, progressive, and united Nigeria, anchored on credible, inclusive servant leadership that prioritizes the collective interest and prosperity of the country. He added that citizens committed to purposeful leadership should join the movement, irrespective of political affiliation, ethnicity, or religious background.
Benkos-Nwokolo, urged Nigerians to be more deliberate in participating in the 2027 general elections to ensure the outcomes improve their present living conditions and secure a better future for generations to come.
According to him, “The nation’s worsening insecurity — marked by rising cases of kidnapping, banditry, and terrorism — should concern every citizen. We cannot make progress as a nation while these grave conditions persist. We must therefore take collective action to rescue the country from the grip of these bloodthirsty criminals who have made our communities unsafe.”
Arc. Benkos-Nwokolo stated that citizens should translate the critical opinions and grievances about the harsh socio-economic conditions often expressed on social media into action on the political turf by exercising their voting power at all levels of representation.
The good governance advocate made this call in a statement issued in Abuja on Sunday, May 31, 2026. He emphasized that citizens can only exercise this right effectively if they possess their voter cards and remain politically aware of their environment, the needs of their communities, and the capacity and responsibilities of those they elect to represent them in government.
The sustainable development advocate further stated, “It is no longer in doubt that the impact of a challenging economic environment, scarce opportunities, dysfunctional social infrastructure, and weak institutions has continued to erode the faith of Nigerian youths in democracy, driving many to turn their backs on the nation in droves.
“However, criticizing the political elite alone, without intentionally participating in the process of selecting our leaders, also makes us complicit. If we sit on the fence and fail to vote for those we believe will serve the nation better, we become part of the problem,” he emphasized.
He therefore urged all eligible voters who have not yet registered with the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to do so, noting that the registration window remains open. This, he said, will enable them to exercise their franchise in the upcoming elections.
“Given the overwhelming economic hardship driven by widespread poverty and hopelessness that have eroded citizens’ living standards and purchasing power, reducing many to destitution; coupled with expanding ungoverned and unsafe spaces, no Nigerian should remain indifferent in the coming elections. We must make deliberate, conscientious choices in the interest of our collective well-being and the nation’s progress,” he added.
