Reported by: Oahimire Omone Precious | Edited by: Oravbiere Osayomore Promise.
Peter Obi has drawn a line in the sand. The presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress says that under his administration, anyone found to have rigged an election, no matter how small the manipulation, will go to jail. Obi made the declaration on Thursday, September 24, 2026, during an interview on Arise Television's Prime Time, responding to questions about how his government would guarantee that opposition candidates are allowed to campaign freely, even in states where governors are politically opposed to them.
"If I'm serving as president of this country, whoever rigs the election will be in jail. Even for one vote, he will be in jail," Obi said. "No political party will be harassed. We will support them and we will be working with the opposition political parties." The former Anambra State governor said his administration would not treat opposition parties as enemies but as partners in governance. He promised to involve them in decisions on critical national issues, especially those that affect the country's future.
"If there's a matter of state that we have to take a decision, especially in a situation we find ourselves in now, that is existential, we will invite all opposition," Obi said. "It's a country, everybody's involved, and I want to involve everybody." He added that opposition members would be involved even when he travels outside the country. "I will make sure that even if I have to take foreign trips, opposition members will be involved in decisions, because it's important. It's our country. For our children, we must build a stable, united, and secure country."
Obi's vow to jail election riggers is a direct response to a question about whether he would allow opposition politicians to campaign freely in Anambra State if he were president. The question was prompted by the recent incident in Benue State, where suspected political thugs blocked Obi's convoy from entering the state, an incident that raised concerns about the harassment of opposition figures ahead of the 2027 general elections. Obi said his administration would adopt a different approach.
He recalled how, during his second term as governor of Anambra State, he allowed opposition politicians to campaign in the state without obstruction. "When Governor Fashola of Lagos State told me he was coming to Anambra State to campaign, I gave him my car. It was my convoy that he used to go for that campaign," Obi said. He also recalled accompanying former President Olusegun Obasanjo when he campaigned for another candidate in Anambra State. "As governor of the state, when President Obasanjo came to campaign for Andy, I went with him. He was there telling people, 'Peter has done well, but this man will do better.' No problem!" He similarly recalled providing lunch for former Abia State Governor Orji Uzor Kalu when he campaigned for Uche Ekwunife. "That's democracy, because I wanted the people to vote. There was no issue," he said.
Obi's promise to protect opposition parties from harassment is significant given the political climate ahead of the 2027 elections. Several governors have been accused of using state machinery to suppress opposition activities in their states. The Benue incident, in which Obi's convoy was blocked, is one of several cases of political intolerance that have been reported across the country. Obi's commitment to inclusiveness, if implemented, would mark a departure from the winner-takes-all approach that has characterised Nigerian politics for decades.
The NDC candidate also addressed the controversy over his record as Anambra governor, rejecting claims that he left the state with $123 million in debt. He insisted that he did not borrow money from any financial institution during his tenure and that he left over $150 million in funds. The dispute has been a recurring theme in the political discourse, with the Anambra State Government and the Presidency challenging Obi's account. Obi has consistently denied the allegations and challenged anyone with evidence to come forward.
Obi's declaration on election rigging comes as political parties intensify preparations for the 2027 general elections, with the conduct of free and credible elections, protection of votes, and the treatment of opposition parties expected to remain major issues in the political discourse. The Independent National Electoral Commission has also warned against election-related disinformation, particularly AI-generated deepfakes that could undermine public trust in the electoral process. Obi's vow to jail riggers is a direct appeal to voters who have lost confidence in the integrity of Nigeria's elections. Whether he can deliver on that promise, if elected, remains to be seen. But for now, the message is clear: under a Peter Obi presidency, election rigging would carry a jail sentence, no matter how small the offence.
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