The presidential candidate of the Nigerian Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, has vowed to jail anyone who rigs an election under his administration, saying the punishment would apply even if only one vote was manipulated.
Obi made the declaration during an interview with ARISE NEWS on Thursday, September 24, 2026, while outlining his position on electoral integrity and democratic governance ahead of the 2027 presidential election.
The former Anambra State governor said his administration would take a strict position against electoral malpractice.
“I’ve said it, and I’ll say it again: if I am the serving president of this country, whoever rig elections will be in jail. Even for one vote, you will be in jail,” Obi said.
He also pledged to protect opposition parties from harassment and involve them in decisions on matters of national importance.
“No political party will be harassed; we will support them,” he said.
“We will be working with opposition political parties if there’s a matter of state where we have to take a decision, especially in a situation like we find ourselves now. We will invite all opposition.”
Obi said he would also ensure opposition politicians were consulted when he travelled outside the country, arguing that governance should involve all political interests.
The NDC candidate further promised to remain accessible and spend most of his time in Nigeria if elected.
“Nobody will look for me and say, ‘Where is Peter?’ I won’t be on holiday; I must be in Nigeria,” he said.
Obi also criticised restrictions on campaign activities, recalling that as Anambra governor, he allowed political opponents to campaign in the state.
He cited former Lagos State Governor Babatunde Fashola, saying he provided his convoy for Fashola’s campaign visit to Anambra.
Obi also recalled accompanying former President Olusegun Obasanjo when he campaigned for Andy Uba in Anambra, despite supporting a different political position.
According to Obi, allowing opponents to campaign freely was part of democratic practice.
“That’s democracy, because I wanted the people to vote. There was no issue,” he said.
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