Obi vows jail for election riggers, promises free campaign, opposition role
Peter Obi, the Nigeria Democratic Congress presidential candidate, declared that under his administration anyone who rigs an election will go to jail, even if only one vote is manipulated. Speaking on Arise Television’s Prime Time interview on Thursday, Obi stressed that the punishment would apply regardless of the scale of fraud. He said his government would not harass political parties, would involve opposition parties in national decisions, and would allow candidates to campaign freely irrespective of their opponents’ affiliations. Obi also noted that opposition members would be consulted in government matters whenever he travels abroad. He criticized current restrictions on campaign activities in some states, insisting that democratic contest must be open and fair. The vow comes ahead of the 2027 presidential election, positioning Obi as a champion of electoral integrity. His remarks address widespread concerns about vote‑buying, ballot stuffing, and institutional bias that have plagued past Nigerian elections. By promising legal consequences for riggers and inclusive governance, Obi seeks to build trust among voters wary of electoral malpractice. The pledge raises questions about the legal mechanisms needed to enforce such penalties and how opposition inclusion would work in practice.