‘We’ll Rig Those Who Rig Elections,’ Peter Obi Talks Tough In Nasarawa

The presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) for the 2027 general election, Mr. Peter Obi, has threatened to deal with those who rig elections, declaring that his administration would ensure electoral offenders face jail terms if elected.

Obi spoke on Wednesday at an NDC town hall meeting in Akwanga Local Government Area of Nasarawa State, where he addressed party supporters on electoral integrity and the need to strengthen Nigeria’s electoral system.

Responding to a question about election rigging, the former Anambra State governor said the party would not allow manipulation 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,” Obi said.

He added that if elected President, he would make election rigging impossible by strengthening political parties and reforming the electoral process.

“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,” he said.

Obi also promised tougher electoral laws. He called for stricter eligibility requirements, arguing that candidates must have attended primary and secondary school, and warned that forgery would be punished.

“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.

He extended the warning to officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and others involved in election administration.

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