ABUJA — An ally of the Nigeria Democratic Congress, NDC, and supporter of its presidential candidate, Peter Obi, Engr Anselm Ijebor, has said what he described as persistent attacks on Obi could increase the former Anambra State governor’s support ahead of the 2027 presidential election.

Ijebor, who is also a chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, said criticism of Obi had instead generated more public awareness of his policies and programmes.

He spoke in an interview with journalists in Abuja on Tuesday.

According to Ijebor, Obi’s supporters were attracted to what he described as his proposals for economic growth, improved governance and poverty reduction.

“Peter Obi will be overwhelmingly voted in the forthcoming presidential election. His progressive records during his eight years as governor in Anambra State and other policies and programmes designed to grow and salvage the country are enough to speak for him,” he said.

Ijebor said Obi’s advocacy for reducing the cost of governance, moving the country towards a production-driven economy and prioritising security, education and poverty reduction had attracted support from Nigerians seeking changes in governance.

He urged Nigerians to protect their votes and demanded transparent and credible elections in 2027.

Ijebor also claimed that prominent Nigerians were aligning with Obi’s reform agenda, which he said had strengthened his confidence in the NDC candidate’s prospects.

He further expressed confidence that Obi and his running mate, Rabiu Kwankwaso, would win the election if the process was free, fair and credible.

“President Bola Tinubu might announce Peter Obi himself as the winner of the 2027 presidential election,” Ijebor said, while insisting that Obi would win if the electoral process was allowed to run freely.

He alleged that the only circumstance that could prevent such an outcome would be the use of government machinery to interfere with the electoral process.

Ijebor described Obi as a visionary leader with ideas and experience capable, in his view, of addressing Nigeria’s challenges.

He also said he had sought what he described as divine guidance concerning Nigeria’s presidential elections since 2007.