Peter Obi, presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), has vowed to ensure that anyone who attempts to rig the 2027 elections faces the consequences.
Obi made the declaration on Wednesday during an NDC town hall meeting in Nasarawa State, where he addressed party supporters on electoral integrity and the need to strengthen Nigeria’s electoral system.
“Let me assure you, number one, this coming election, we will rig those who rig it,” he said.
The former Anambra State governor also pledged to prevent electoral malpractice if elected president in 2027, saying his administration would strengthen political parties and reform the electoral process.
“And let me assure you, number two, if elected the president of Nigeria, nobody will rig the election in this country again,” he said.
Obi vows jail terms for election riggers
The NDC presidential candidate warned that public officials and other individuals involved in electoral fraud would face prosecution under his administration.
He insisted that anyone found guilty of manipulating election results, regardless of their position, would be held accountable.
“Any high-ranking official, anybody who is involved with the election, under my watch, that rigs the election, will go to jail,” Obi said.
He added that his administration would uphold the rule of law and ensure that no individual was above it.
“Under my watch, Nigeria must be a country that has a law and votes from number one person to the last person must obey the rule of law. Nobody will be above the law. Nobody will behave rascally,” he said.
Obi seeks stricter educational requirements for candidates
Obi also called for stricter enforcement of educational requirements for individuals seeking elective offices in Nigeria.
He said candidates should have attended both primary and secondary school, adding that their educational backgrounds must be clear and verifiable.
“For you to contest the election, you must have attended a primary school, you must have attended a secondary school, and it will be visible, it will be clear,” he said.
The former governor further warned that anyone who forged educational certificates or failed to meet the stipulated requirements should face imprisonment.
Obi said his ambition was to transform Nigeria by strengthening public institutions, promoting accountability and ensuring that electoral laws were respected.
His remarks come as political parties prepare for the 2027 general elections, with electoral integrity and accountability remaining central issues in discussions about the country’s democratic process.
