By PERPETUA ONUEGBU

The Obidient Movement on Thursday launched ‘A New Nigeria is Possible-Get Your PVC and Go MERD (Get Organised-Make Election Rigging Difficult)’ campaign, ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the National Coordinator of Obedient Movement, Dr. Tanko Yunusa, led other members to launch the campaign at a news conference in Abuja.

According to Yunusa, the launch is to ensure that every eligible citizen has a permanent voter card and to protect the integrity of the 2027 general elections.

“We want to ensure that more Nigerians participate in the democratic process; the GO MERD campaign has a straightforward mission.

“In every polling unit across Nigeria, every Obidient will either lead or join a voting bloc of, at least, 100 Nigerians on his/her polling unit.

“We will work to achieve 100 per cent PVC ownership in each bloc. We will go door-to-door, help people get to registration points and recruit 1,500 value-based leaders to run for office under the Obidient platform,” he said.

Yunusa said that members of the platform would turn out en masse to vote, defend the process with one million trained vote protectors and use technology for real-time reporting.

“We will engage in proactive resistance to make rigging unattractive for politicians and institutions which delight in thwarting the people’s mandate,” he said.

According to him, Obidients believe that a new Nigeria is one where food is affordable, communities secured, healthcare works and education equips young people for the future.

“It is one where rural areas are connected to markets, women have equal opportunities, businesses can grow without harassment and the diaspora can return home with pride.

“For our children, it is about building a country where patriotism is not a burden but a thing of joy,” he said.

The national coordinator called on every Obidient and every Nigerian to take part in the campaign.

“Do not leave it for others, mobilize your friends, neighbours colleagues and family to register and prepare to vote.

“Volunteer as vote defender in your polling unit for 2027, attend rallies, town halls and community events to spread this message,” he said. (NAN)