Anyone Who Rigs Election Under My Administration Will Go to Jail — Obi

Presidential candidate of the Nigerian Democratic Congress, Peter Obi, has pledged to jail anyone found rigging an election under his administration, saying the punishment would apply even where only one vote was involved.

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Obi made the declaration in an interview with ARISE NEWS on Thursday, September 24, 2026, while outlining his position on electoral integrity, opposition politics and democratic governance ahead of the 2027 presidential election.

“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.

He also pledged that political parties, including opposition parties, would not be harassed under his administration, saying his government would involve them in decisions affecting the country.

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

“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.

“It’s a country, everyone is involved, and I want to involve everybody.”

Obi said opposition members would also be involved in government decisions 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.”

The NDC candidate also said he would remain accessible to Nigerians and prioritise being physically present in the country.

“It doesn’t matter who is in office. I’m telling you that I will offer that.

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

Obi also criticised what he described as restrictions placed on his campaign activities in some states, saying political candidates should be allowed to campaign freely regardless of their opponents’ political affiliations.

He said his appeal was not limited to his own candidacy but was aimed at protecting the democratic space.

“That’s it—to ensure that Nigeria works for the future of our children.”

Obi recalled that, as governor of Anambra State, he allowed political opponents to campaign in the state and provided facilities for them.

“When Governor Fashola of Lagos State told me he was coming to Anambra State, Charles, I gave him my car—it was my convoy that he used to go for that campaign.”

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!”

Obi similarly recalled providing lunch for former Abia State Governor Orji Uzor Kalu when he campaigned for Uche Ekwunife.

“After my lunch, standing in front of me with Uche Ekwunife, he told the press people, ‘Peter has done well, but Uche will do better.’

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