Peter Obi promises jail time for election riggers if elected president

Peter Obi, the 2027 presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), has promised that anyone who rigs elections while he is president will face jail time.

Obi, a former governor of Anambra State, made this statement on Thursday night during an appearance on Arise News’ Prime Time.

He was answering questions about how he would react if opposition politicians came to his state to campaign while he is in office.

“If I’m serving as president of this country, whoever rigs the election will be in jail. Even for one vote, he will be in jail. No political party will be harassed,” he said.

Working with Opposition

Obi emphasized that he would not attack opposition politicians. Instead, he would work together with them and even support their efforts.

“We will support them (opposition politicians) and we will be working with the opposition political parties.

“If there’s a matter about states that we have to make a decision on, such as the situation we find ourselves in now, we will invite all opposition. It’s a country,” he stated.

“I’ll make sure that even if I have to take a foreign trip, opposition will be involved. They’ll be involved in decisions.”

Concerns About Campaigning

Mr Obi shared his worries that some governors are stopping him from campaigning in their states as the 2027 general election approaches.

He pointed to a recent incident in Benue State where suspected political thugs blocked him and his convoy from entering the state.

Obi recalled times when he welcomed opposition politicians to Anambra State during his own campaigns.

“When then-Governor (Babatunde) Fashola of Lagos State told me he’s coming to Anambra State (to campaign against me), I gave him my cars. It was my convoy that he used to go for that campaign.

“As a governor in the state, when then-President (Olusegun) Obasanjo came to campaign for Andy (Uba of PDP), I went with him. He even told the people that I’ve done well, but Andy Ubah will do better,” he remembered.

Expectations from Current Governors

Obi continued: “When Andy Uba came to campaign with Uche Ekwunife, I gave them lunch.

“After my lunch, in front of me, standing with him and Uche Ekwunife, he told the whole people, ‘Peter, you’ve done well, but Uche will do better.’ That’s democracy.”

He believes that since he has welcomed opposition politicians in the past, current governors should do the same for him.

“What I expect now, being a candidate, the governors are supposed to even give me transport facilities when I arrive in their states, accommodate me where necessary, and be able to give me all of that support to go and meet the voters,” he said.

Obi also mentioned that besides being blocked by some state governors, he fears for his safety.

“I’ve said it here that I’m not even sure whether I’ll still be alive at the end of this (election). I’m praying to God for his protection because at this stage, I’m not sure what is happening,” he said.