Anyone who rigs election under me will go to jail — Obi

Peter Obi, the presidential candidate of the Nigerian Democratic Congress, has vowed to impose severe penalties on anyone found rigging elections under his administration. This stance was evident in an interview with ARISE NEWS on September 24, 2026, where Obi discussed his vision for electoral integrity, opposition politics, and democratic governance ahead of the 2027 presidential election.

According to Obi, rigging even a single vote would result in incarceration, emphasizing the gravity of electoral misconduct. He further pledged that political parties, including opposition parties, would not be targeted under his leadership, stating that his government would collaborate with them when necessary.

Moreover, Obi assured that opposition members would be involved in government decisions, even during his foreign trips, to ensure a united and secure country for future generations. He also criticized the restrictions placed on his campaign activities in some states, advocating for the freedom of political candidates to campaign without bias.

Obi highlighted his commitment to physical presence in Nigeria, asserting that he would not engage in holidaying while in office. He also dismissed allegations of leaving Anambra State with a $123 million debt, insisting that the state was not indebted to any financial institutions during his tenure. He provided evidence of Anambra's financial position during his governance and urged independent verification of these figures.