Award-winning Nigerian filmmaker and author, Onyeka Nwelue has publicly declared that the only way to guarantee Peter Obi’s victory in the 2027 presidential election is for well-meaning Nigerians to rig the process in his favour.

In a post shared on social media, Nwelue stated that he was encouraging every well-meaning Nigerian to rig the election for Obi, adding that people could ask God for forgiveness after Obi enters Aso Rock.

He emphasised that Obi himself does not need to support or endorse the suggestion.

Nwelue, known for his work in literature and film, including adaptations and documentaries that have received festival recognition, has made similar remarks in recent days. In one message directed at members of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), the party under which Obi is contesting, he advised supporters to “grab the ballot box and run” upon reaching their polling units, ensuring Obi is declared the winner.

He framed the advice as adopting tactics he attributed to the opposing side, arguing that those currently in power had succeeded through such means.

The statements come amid heightened political activity ahead of the 2027 general elections. Peter Obi, the former governor of Anambra State who contested under the Labour Party in 2023 and placed third, is now the presidential candidate of the NDC alongside Rabiu Kwankwaso.

Discussions around Obi’s prospects have intensified, with some political figures asserting he has no clear pathway to victory and urging regional realignment, while his supporters maintain that strong performance in the South-East and gains elsewhere, combined with public dissatisfaction over the economy and security, position him as a leading contender.

Nwelue’s comments have drawn attention for their open advocacy of electoral manipulation, a practice widely condemned under Nigerian law. They contrast with Obi’s own public positions, in which he has repeatedly called for votes to be protected, urged vigilance against rigging, and insisted that the will of the people must prevail through a free and fair process.

Obi has also accused authorities of working to hinder his candidacy and has challenged aspects of the electoral framework.

As campaigns gather momentum, with Obi outlining regional economic plans focused on production, agriculture, and manufacturing, Nwelue’s intervention highlights the intensity of debates over strategy and the lengths some supporters are prepared to discuss publicly.

The remarks add to ongoing conversations about electoral integrity, institutional trust, and the competitive dynamics shaping Nigeria’s next presidential contest.