The presidential candidate of the Nigerian Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, has vowed that his camp will “rig those who rig” the 2027 elections, pledging to tackle electoral malpractice and strengthen Nigeria’s electoral system.
Obi made the statement on Wednesday during an NDC town hall meeting in Nasarawa State, where he addressed party supporters on electoral integrity and the need to ensure credible elections.
“Let me assure you, number one, this coming election, we will rig those who rig it,” he said.
The former Anambra State governor also promised that if elected president, he would ensure that electoral malpractice was prevented across the country.
“And let me assure you, number two, if elected the president of Nigeria, nobody will rig the election in this country again,” he said.
Obi called for stricter enforcement of educational requirements for candidates seeking elective offices, insisting that anyone contesting an election must have attended both primary and secondary school.
He further said individuals who forged educational certificates or failed to meet the stipulated requirements should face imprisonment.
“For you to contest the 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.
The NDC presidential candidate also vowed to prosecute public officials and others found guilty of participating in electoral fraud under his administration.
“Any high-ranking official, anybody who is involved with the election, under my watch, that rigs the election, will go to jail,” he said.
Obi maintained that everyone, irrespective of position, would be required to obey the law, adding that his administration would focus on strengthening public institutions and promoting accountability.
“Under my watch, Nigeria must be a country that has a law and votes from number one person to the last person must obey the rule of law. Nobody will be above the law. Nobody will behave rascally,” he said.