The presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, has vowed to prosecute and imprison individuals found guilty of electoral malpractice if he wins the 2027 presidential election, warning that officials involved in manipulating election results would face legal consequences.
Obi made the declaration on Wednesday, October 28, during an NDC town hall meeting in Akwanga Local Government Area of Nasarawa State, where he outlined his proposed approach to electoral reform, accountability and the rule of law.
Responding to a question about election rigging, the former Anambra State governor said his party would not allow electoral manipulation to go unchallenged. He declared that anyone found guilty of rigging elections under his administration would face imprisonment, including officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and others involved in the electoral process.
Obi also said strengthening political parties and reforming electoral processes would be central to preventing manipulation and restoring public confidence in elections. He argued that the credibility of Nigeria’s democratic system depended on ensuring that votes were properly counted and electoral rules were respected.
Beyond election rigging, the NDC candidate called for stricter requirements for individuals seeking elective office. He proposed that aspirants should demonstrate that they attended primary and secondary school, warning that anyone who forged academic certificates or falsely claimed to possess the required educational background should face legal consequences.
The former governor stressed that public officials and ordinary citizens must be subject to the same laws, regardless of their positions. He said his proposed administration would prioritise accountability and strengthen institutions to ensure that no individual was above the law.
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Obi’s comments come as political parties and prospective candidates intensify preparations for Nigeria’s 2027 general elections, with electoral credibility, party organisation and the independence of election institutions expected to remain major issues in the campaign.
His proposals on candidate qualifications would, however, need to operate within Nigeria’s constitutional and electoral framework. Any changes to eligibility requirements would require appropriate legal measures, while allegations of electoral offences would have to be investigated and established through due process.
The remarks add to Obi’s earlier public statements on election integrity. In September, he said anyone who rigged an election under his presidency would face jail, including those responsible for manipulating even a single vote.
The NDC candidate said his ambition was driven by a desire to build a Nigeria where democratic institutions function effectively, electoral rules are respected and public officeholders are held accountable for their actions.