Peter Obi, presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), has pledged to make electoral fraud punishable by imprisonment, promising to prosecute anyone found guilty of manipulating elections if he wins the 2027 presidential poll.
The former Anambra State governor made the pledge on Wednesday, October 28, during a town hall meeting with NDC supporters in Nasarawa State, where he outlined his position on electoral reforms and accountability.
Obi said his party would oppose attempts to manipulate the outcome of the next general election, insisting that strengthening political parties and improving the electoral process would be central to preventing malpractice.
“You didn’t ask about what we are going to do if people rig the election next year. Let me assure you, number one, this coming election, we will rig those who rig it.
“And let me assure you, number two, if I’m elected the President of Nigeria, nobody will rig elections in this country again because the first thing we need to do is to strengthen our parties, strengthen the process,” he said.
He also called for stricter educational requirements for individuals seeking elective office, proposing that candidates should have attended both primary and secondary school.
“Our laws will be strict. For you to contest an election, you must have attended a primary school, you must have attended a secondary school, and it will be visible; it will be clear.
READ ALSO: 2027: Our Votes Must Count, Election Riggers Will Face Law — Obi
“If you didn’t attend any of them or forge your certificate, you go to jail,” Obi said.
The NDC candidate warned that election officials would face the same consequences if they were found guilty of manipulating election results under his administration.
“Any INEC official, anybody who is involved with elections under my watch that rigs elections will go to jail.
“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.
“Nobody must be above the law; nobody will behave rascally,” he declared.
Obi said his decision to seek the presidency was driven by a commitment to changing Nigeria and building a country where electoral rules and the rule of law are respected.
“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,” Obi added.
His remarks place electoral integrity and accountability among the issues he is emphasising as the 2027 election approaches.