Nigerian Democratic Congress (NDC) presidential candidate Peter Obi has declared that any individual caught rigging an election under his presidency will face immediate imprisonment, regardless of the scale of the offence.
Outlining his stance on democratic governance and electoral integrity ahead of the 2027 presidential election during an interview on Arise News on Thursday, Obi insisted that electoral fraud would carry zero tolerance.
“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 stated.
Obi pledged that opposition political parties would enjoy complete freedom from harassment under his administration, committing to actively consult them on key national policy decisions and include opposition representatives on official foreign delegations.
“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.”
He added: “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.”
Criticising recent restrictions placed on his campaign activities in certain states, Obi called for an open political space where candidates can campaign without hindrance, arguing that democratic tolerance is essential to ensure Nigeria works for future generations.
To demonstrate his commitment to political tolerance, the former Anambra State governor recalled extending full state resources and hospitality to political rivals campaigning against his party during his tenure in office.
Obi recounted providing former Lagos State Governor Babatunde Fashola with his official convoy during a campaign visit to Anambra. He also recalled welcoming former Abia State Governor Orji Uzor Kalu, whom he hosted for lunch despite Kalu campaigning for rival candidate 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,” Obi said.
He similarly noted accompanying former President Olusegun Obasanjo during a campaign tour in Anambra where Obasanjo publicly endorsed rival candidate Andy Uba, noting that such exchanges represent the true spirit of democratic choice.
“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 said.
The NDC candidate assured citizens that he would remain physically present in the country to govern directly rather than taking foreign breaks.
“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,” he added.