Peter Obi, the presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), has vowed to prosecute and jail anyone found guilty of electoral fraud if he wins the 2027 presidential election.
Obi made the pledge on Wednesday during an NDC town hall meeting in Nasarawa State, where he spoke about electoral integrity and the need to strengthen Nigeria’s democratic institutions.
Responding to a question about plans to address election rigging, the former Anambra State governor said his party would not allow electoral manipulation to go unchallenged during the 2027 general election.
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“You didn’t ask about what we are going to do if people rig election next year. Let me assure you, number one, this coming election, we will rig those who rig it,” Obi said.
He further stated that, if elected president, his administration would introduce reforms to prevent electoral fraud by strengthening political parties and improving the electoral process.
“And let me assure you number two, if I’m elected the President of Nigeria, nobody will rig election in this country again because the first thing we need to do is to strengthen our parties, strengthen the process,” he said.
Obi Proposes Stricter Educational Requirements for Candidates
The NDC presidential candidate also called for stricter educational requirements for individuals seeking elective positions in Nigeria.
He proposed that anyone aspiring to contest an election should have attended both primary and secondary school, arguing that candidates must meet clear and enforceable standards.
“Our laws will be strict. For you to contest election, you must have attended a primary school, you must have attended a secondary school and it will be visible, it will be clear,” Obi said.
He warned that individuals who forged academic certificates or falsely claimed to possess the required educational qualifications would face imprisonment.
“If you didn’t attend any of them or forge your certificate, you go to jail,” he added.
INEC Officials Face Prosecution Under Proposed Administration
Obi extended his warning to officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and other individuals involved in conducting elections, stressing that anyone found guilty of electoral malpractice under his administration would be held accountable.
“Any INEC official, anybody who is involved with elections under my watch that rigs elections will go to jail,” he declared.
He maintained that his proposed reforms would be anchored on the rule of law, insisting that no individual, regardless of position or influence, should be exempt from accountability.
“Under my watch, Nigeria must be a country that has a law, and both from the number one person to the last person must obey the rule of law,” he said.
“Nobody must be above the law; nobody will behave rascally.”
Obi said his presidential ambition was driven by his desire to transform Nigeria and establish a political system where electoral laws, democratic principles and public accountability are upheld.
“That’s why we are doing what we are doing. We want to change Nigeria. A new Nigeria is possible, and that new Nigeria will be OK,” he added.
