Former Anambra governor says strengthening political parties and electoral processes will be central to preventing malpractice ahead of Nigeria’s 2027 general election.

Peter Obi, presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), has warned that individuals involved in election rigging would face prosecution and imprisonment if he becomes president, declaring that electoral malpractice would not be tolerated under his administration.

Obi made the remarks on Wednesday, October 28, during an NDC town hall meeting in Akwanga Local Government Area of Nasarawa State, where he addressed supporters on electoral integrity and the need to strengthen Nigeria’s democratic institutions.

Responding to a question about how his party would respond to attempts to manipulate the 2027 general election, Obi said his camp would not allow electoral fraud to go unchallenged.

“You didn’t ask about what we are going to do if people rig election next year. Let me assure you, number one, this coming election, we will rig those who rig it,” he said.

The statement drew attention to the issue of electoral malpractice as political parties and aspirants prepare for the next general election.

Obi Promises Reforms to Prevent Election Rigging

The former Anambra State governor subsequently explained that, if elected president, he would focus on strengthening political parties and reforming the electoral process to make election manipulation more difficult.

He said his administration would work towards a system in which elections could not be manipulated and electoral rules would be enforced consistently.

“And let me assure you number two, if I’m elected the President of Nigeria, nobody will rig election in this country again because the first thing we need to do is to strengthen our parties, strengthen the process,” Obi said.

He also warned that officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and other individuals involved in administering elections would face legal consequences if found guilty of electoral fraud.

“Any INEC official, anybody who is involved with elections under my watch that rigs the election will go to jail,” he declared.

Obi maintained that public officials and citizens alike should be subject to the law, regardless of their political standing or position in government.

Calls For Stricter Candidate Eligibility Requirements

Beyond electoral malpractice, Obi advocated stricter requirements for individuals seeking elective office, arguing that candidates should demonstrate that they had attended primary and secondary school.

He said anyone who forged academic certificates or falsely claimed to possess the required educational qualifications should face imprisonment.

“Our laws will be strict. For you to contest election, you must have attended a primary school, you must have attended a secondary school and it will be visible, it will be clear,” he said.

“If you didn’t attend any of them or forge your certificate, you go to jail,” Obi added.

His proposal places candidate qualifications and the enforcement of electoral rules among the issues raised during his engagement with supporters.

Any changes to candidate eligibility requirements would, however, need to be consistent with Nigeria’s Constitution and applicable electoral laws.

Electoral Integrity Remains A Key Issue Ahead Of 2027

Obi’s remarks come as political activity intensifies ahead of Nigeria’s 2027 general election, with electoral credibility, party organization and the conduct of public officials likely to remain important issues in political debate.

His comments emphasize the need for stronger institutions, credible election administration and accountability for individuals found to have violated electoral laws.

However, the credibility of any election depends not only on campaign promises but also on the effective implementation of electoral laws, transparent procedures, independent oversight and the ability of relevant institutions to investigate and prosecute offences fairly.

For INEC and other electoral stakeholders, preventing manipulation requires safeguards that protect the voting process, ensure accurate results and provide effective mechanisms for addressing complaints.

Obi said his proposed approach would be guided by the rule of law, stressing that no individual should be above legal accountability.

“Under my watch, Nigeria must be a country that has a law, and both from the number one person to the last person must obey the rule of law,” he said.

“Nobody must be above the law; nobody will behave rascally.”

He added that his political ambition was driven by the desire to change Nigeria and establish a system in which electoral rules are respected.

Note:

Peter Obi’s comments place electoral accountability at the center of his message ahead of the 2027 general election. While his pledge to prosecute election offenders signals a commitment to stricter enforcement, the practical test would be whether any future administration could strengthen electoral institutions, ensure impartial investigations and uphold due process.

Ultimately, Nigerians’ confidence in the electoral system will depend on credible polls, transparent results and the consistent application of the law, regardless of party affiliation or political influence.

Source: Leadership Newspaper — ‘We’ll Rig Those Who Rig Elections,’ Peter Obi Talks Tough In Nasarawa