The presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, has called on Nigerians to take a firm stand on the country’s future as the 2027 general elections approach.Speaking at the 2026 Goodluck Jonathan Foundation Democracy Dialogue held at the Ahmadu Bello International Conference Centre in Bauchi, Obi urged citizens to reflect on Nigeria’s direction and demand responsible leadership.He stressed that the elections must strengthen democracy and produce results acceptable to all stakeholders. “It is time for every Nigerian to sit down and ask where this nation is going. We need good leaders because decisions taken today will shape the future of our children,” he said.Addressing the theme, “Beyond Elections: Can Political Parties and the Judiciary Save African Democracy?”, Obi expressed concern over what he described as political interference in Nigeria’s judiciary. He recalled his own legal battle over the Anambra governorship, noting that judges once delivered rulings based solely on merit without political influence.Obi lamented that today, some judicial decisions appear swayed by politics, warning: “What we have now is judges singing, ‘Mr President, on your mandate we shall stand.’ That is not the role of the judiciary in a true democracy.”He commended former President Goodluck Jonathan for consistently hosting the democracy dialogue, describing it as a vital platform for strengthening governance and judicial neutrality.Obi concluded by urging Nigerians to reject bad governance, injustice, and manipulation, insisting that unity and accountability could unlock Nigeria’s potential for prosperity.