Presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, has said anyone found to have rigged an election under his administration would face imprisonment, even if only one vote was manipulated.
Obi made the statement during an interview with ARISE NEWS on Thursday, September 24, 2026, while outlining his views on electoral integrity, opposition politics and democratic governance ahead of the 2027 presidential election.
The former Anambra State governor also said opposition political parties would not be harassed under his administration and would instead be involved in decisions on matters of national importance.
Obi Says Election Rigging Would Attract Jail
Obi said his administration would take a firm position against electoral malpractice.
“I’ve said it, and I’ll say it again: if I am the serving president of this country, whoever rigs elections will be in jail. Even for one vote, you will be in jail,” he said.
His comments place electoral integrity at the centre of his proposed approach to governance as political parties prepare for the 2027 elections.
The statement was presented as a proposed policy position rather than a reference to a specific ongoing case.
Obi Promises Not to Harass Opposition Parties
Alongside his position on election rigging, Obi promised that opposition parties would be allowed to operate without harassment if he becomes president.
He said his government would work with opposition parties on matters affecting the country and would invite opposition representatives when important national decisions were being considered.
“No political party will be harassed; we will support them,” Obi said.
He also said opposition members would be involved in decisions when the president is outside the country.
According to Obi, political differences should not prevent elected representatives and political parties from contributing to national decisions.
Obi Criticises Restrictions on Campaign Activities
The NDC candidate also raised concerns about restrictions on political campaigns in some states.
He argued that presidential candidates should be allowed to campaign regardless of their political affiliation or the party controlling a particular state.
Obi cited his experience as Anambra governor, recalling occasions when political opponents were allowed to campaign in the state.
He mentioned former Lagos State Governor Babatunde Fashola, former President Olusegun Obasanjo and former Abia State Governor Orji Uzor Kalu as politicians who campaigned in Anambra while he was governor.
Obi said allowing political opponents to campaign was part of what he regarded as democratic competition.
He Says He Would Remain in Nigeria
Obi also addressed the issue of presidential travel and accessibility.
He said he would prioritise being physically present in Nigeria and would not spend extended periods away from the country.
“Nobody will look for me and say, ‘Where is Peter?’ I won’t be on holiday; I must be in Nigeria,” he said.
His comments came amid ongoing political discussion about President Bola Tinubu’s international travels and representation at some major events.
Electoral Integrity Remains a Major 2027 Issue
Obi’s comments come as political parties prepare for the 2027 general election, with electoral integrity, campaign access and the treatment of opposition parties among the issues being raised by politicians.
His proposed approach combines a strict position against election manipulation with a promise to allow opposition parties to participate in political and governance processes.
However, the practical implementation of such commitments would depend on the legal framework, electoral institutions and other arms of government operating alongside a future administration.
Obi Also Spoke About His Anambra Record
During the same interview, Obi revisited the separate dispute over claims that he left Anambra State with more than $123 million in debt when he left office in 2014.
He rejected the claim and said he did not personally approach any financial institution to borrow money or issue bonds on behalf of the state during his tenure.
Obi also maintained that he left more than $150 million in dollar-denominated savings and investments and challenged banks and relevant institutions to verify the documents he presented.
The debt dispute is separate from his comments on electoral reform and opposition politics.
What Happens Next?
Obi’s statements are part of the political debate ahead of the 2027 presidential election.
The NDC candidate’s proposed approach includes tougher action against electoral malpractice, freedom for opposition parties to campaign and greater consultation with political opponents on national issues.
Whether these proposals become government policy would depend on the outcome of the election and the subsequent legislative, institutional and administrative processes.
For now, the comments provide a clearer picture of Obi’s stated position on election rigging and the treatment of opposition parties if he becomes president.
Frequently Asked Questions
What did Peter Obi say about election rigging?
Peter Obi said anyone who rigs an election under his administration would go to jail, even if the electoral manipulation involved only one vote. He made the statement during an ARISE NEWS interview on September 24, 2026.
What did Peter Obi promise opposition parties?
Obi said opposition parties would not be harassed under his administration. He also said opposition representatives would be involved in decisions concerning matters of national importance.
What did Obi say about opposition parties during presidential trips?
Obi said opposition members would be involved in government decisions even when the president travelled outside Nigeria. He presented this as part of his proposed approach to inclusive governance.
Did Peter Obi discuss campaign restrictions?
Yes. Obi criticised what he described as restrictions on his campaign activities in some states and argued that presidential candidates should be allowed to campaign regardless of political affiliation.
When did Peter Obi make the comments?
Obi made the comments on Thursday, September 24, 2026, during an interview with ARISE NEWS’s Prime Time programme, as political parties prepare for the 2027 general election.
