BY TAIBAT UMMI YAKUBU
Peter Obi, presidential candidate of the Nigerian Democratic Congress (NDC), has vowed to crack down on electoral manipulation ahead of the 2027 general elections, declaring that his camp will “rig those who rig” the polls.
Obi made the statement on Wednesday during an NDC town hall meeting in Nasarawa State, where he outlined his plans to strengthen electoral integrity and hold anyone who undermines the democratic process accountable.
“Let me assure you, number one, this coming election, we will rig those who rig it,” the former Anambra State governor told participants at the gathering.
Explaining his position, Obi said an administration under his leadership would enforce the rule of law without favouring anyone, regardless of their political influence, public office or social standing.
He insisted that Nigeria must become a country where everyone, from the highest-ranking official to the ordinary citizen, respects the law and is held accountable for their actions.
“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.
The NDC candidate also promised to strengthen the electoral system to prevent vote manipulation, warning that anyone involved in rigging elections would face legal consequences if he became president.
Obi specifically threatened prosecution and imprisonment for political officeholders, electoral officials and other individuals found guilty of interfering with election results.
“Any high-ranking official, anybody who is involved with the election, under my watch, that rigs the election, will go to jail,” he declared.
Beyond electoral reforms, Obi called for stricter enforcement of educational requirements for people seeking elective offices in Nigeria.
He argued that prospective candidates should have attended both primary and secondary school, insisting that compliance with the requirements should be clear and verifiable.
“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 remarks place electoral integrity, accountability and candidates’ educational qualifications among the issues Obi is highlighting as political parties and aspirants prepare for the 2027 general elections.
However, the effectiveness of the proposed measures would depend on the legal framework, institutional reforms and enforcement mechanisms adopted by any administration seeking to prevent electoral malpractice.
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