2027: Obi Vows Prosecution for Election Riggers, Protection for Opposition

Presidential candidate of the Nigerian Democratic Congress, Peter Obi, has pledged to prosecute and jail anyone found to have manipulated election results if elected President in 2027.

Obi made the pledge during an interview with ARISE NEWS on Thursday, September 24, 2026, while outlining his proposed approach to electoral integrity, democratic governance and the treatment of opposition parties.

The former Anambra State governor said his administration would adopt a zero-tolerance approach to electoral malpractice, regardless of the number of votes involved.

“I’ve said it, and I’ll say it again: if I am the serving president of this country, whoever rigs elections will be in jail. Even for one vote, you will be in jail,” Obi said.

He also promised to protect opposition parties from harassment and ensure that they have a role in discussions on issues of national importance.

“No political party will be harassed; we will support them,” he said.

According to him, opposition parties would be invited to participate in decisions on matters of national interest, particularly issues requiring broad political consensus.

“We will be working with opposition political parties if there’s a matter of state where we have to take a decision, especially in a situation like we find ourselves now. We will invite all opposition,” he said.

Obi further said opposition leaders would be consulted on major national issues, including when the President travels outside the country, stressing that governance should accommodate diverse political interests.

The NDC candidate also pledged to remain accessible to Nigerians and spend most of his time in the country if elected.

“Nobody will look for me and say, ‘Where is Peter?’ I won’t be on holiday; I must be in Nigeria,” he said.

On political campaigns, Obi criticised restrictions on opposition activities and recalled his experience as Anambra State governor, saying he allowed political opponents to campaign freely in the state.

He cited former Lagos State Governor, Babatunde Fashola, as an example, recalling that he made his official convoy available during Fashola’s campaign visit to Anambra.

Obi also recalled accompanying former President Olusegun Obasanjo when he campaigned for Andy Uba in Anambra, despite holding a different political position.

He said allowing political opponents to campaign was necessary to give voters the freedom to make their choices.

“That’s democracy, because I wanted the people to vote. There was no issue,” Obi said.

The former Anambra governor’s comments come as political parties and presidential contenders intensify preparations for the 2027 general elections, with electoral integrity, the independence of institutions and the conduct of political campaigns remaining major issues in the emerging campaign discourse.