Peter Obi, presidential candidate of the Nigerian Democratic Congress (NDC), has said anyone found guilty of rigging an election under his administration would face imprisonment.
Obi made the statement during an interview with ARISE NEWS on Thursday, September 24, 2026, while discussing electoral integrity and his plans for democratic governance ahead of the 2027 presidential election.
He said the punishment would apply regardless of the number of votes involved, stressing that even the manipulation of a single vote would attract consequences.
“I’ve said it, and I’ll say it again: if I am the serving president of this country, whoever rig elections will be in jail. Even for one vote, you will be in jail,” Obi said.
The former Anambra State governor also said political parties, including opposition parties, would not be harassed under his proposed administration. Instead, he said his government would work with opposition groups on issues affecting the country.
Obi said he would involve opposition parties in important national decisions, including matters that require broad political consultation. He argued that governance should involve stakeholders because national decisions affect all Nigerians.
The NDC candidate also pledged to respect the right of political parties to campaign freely. He recalled that, during his time as Anambra governor, he allowed political opponents to campaign in the state and provided support for some visiting political figures.
Obi further said he wanted elections to be free, fair and credible, without violence, and urged political parties to focus their campaigns on issues affecting ordinary Nigerians.
His comments come as political parties and candidates prepare for the 2027 presidential election. Obi secured the NDC presidential nomination earlier this year after leaving an opposition coalition that had sought to field a unified challenger.
The former governor has previously argued that protecting elections also requires active participation from voters, including monitoring the counting and collation of votes at polling units.