Peter Obi, presidential candidate of the Nigerian Democratic Congress (NDC), has vowed that his camp will “rig those who rig” the 2027 elections.
Obi made the remark on Wednesday during an NDC town hall meeting in Nasarawa State, where he addressed party supporters on electoral integrity and the need to strengthen Nigeria’s electoral system.
“Let me assure you, number one, this coming election, we will rig those who rig it,” he said.
The former Anambra State governor said he would ensure that electoral malpractice was prevented across the country if elected president.
“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 also called for stricter enforcement of educational requirements for candidates seeking elective offices. He maintained 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 promised to prosecute public officials and others found to have participated 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.”
Obi said his administration would ensure that everyone, irrespective of their position, complied with the law.
He added that his objective was to transform Nigeria by 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.