Presidential candidate of the Nigerian Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, says anyone found rigging an election under his administration would be jailed, regardless of the number of votes involved.
Obi made the declaration in an interview with ARISE NEWS on Thursday while outlining his proposed approach to electoral integrity, opposition politics and democratic governance ahead of the 2027 presidential election.
“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 said.
He also pledged that political parties, including opposition parties, would not be harassed under his administration, saying his government would involve them in decisions affecting the country.
“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.”
Obi said opposition members would also be involved in government decisions even when he travels outside the country.
“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.”
The NDC candidate also said he would remain accessible to Nigerians and would prioritise being physically present in the country.
“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.”
Obi also criticised restrictions allegedly placed on his campaign activities in some states, saying political candidates should be allowed to campaign freely regardless of their opponents’ political affiliations.
His appeal, he said, was not limited to his own candidacy but was aimed at protecting democratic space.
“That’s it—to ensure that Nigeria works for the future of our children.”
He recalled that, as Anambra governor, he allowed political opponents to campaign in the state and provided facilities for them.
“When Governor Fashola of Lagos State told me he was coming to Anambra State, Charles, I gave him my car—it was my convoy that he used to go for that campaign.”
Obi also recalled accompanying former President Olusegun Obasanjo when he campaigned for another candidate in Anambra State.
“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!”
He similarly recalled providing lunch for former Abia State Governor Orji Uzor Kalu when he campaigned for 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.”
On the dispute over his record as former Anambra governor, Obi rejected claims that he left the state with $123 million in debt, insisting that he did not borrow money from any financial institution during his tenure.
“Let me categorically state again: I, Mr. Peter Obi, did not approach any financial institution to borrow money or issue bonds on behalf of Anambra State in the eight years that I was in government.”
He said the state was not owing salaries, gratuities, pensions, contractors or suppliers whose jobs had been completed, certified and verified when he left office.
Obi also said the World Bank and International Fund for Agricultural Development facilities referenced in the debt claims were concessionary development support obtained by the Federal Government and subsequently on-lent to qualifying states.
He said Anambra’s foreign debt was about $18 million when he assumed office and about $30 million when he left office in March 2014.
According to Obi, the state’s financial position at the time included more than $150 million in dollar-denominated savings invested in bonds, which he said generated about $10 million annually.
He argued that even if the debt figure being claimed by the state government were accepted, the funds he left behind would have been sufficient to clear the obligation.
Obi also presented what he described as his handover document, urging ARISE NEWS to verify the figures with the World Bank and Nigerian banks.
“Please publish these documents. I’m urging you, please.
“The World Bank is in Abuja; they can give you the history of the drawdowns. The banks mentioned here are Nigerian banks; you have access to their headquarters. Ask them whether this money was there.”
On his relationship with Anambra State Governor Chukwuma Soludo, Obi said he had no dispute with the governor.
“I don’t have any dispute, talk less of being bitter, with my very respected elder brother, Governor Soludo.
“We remain brothers. He’s the governor of my state, and I respect him.”
Obi also criticised President Bola Tinubu’s absence from Nigeria, saying the president had remained outside the country beyond the period he initially announced.
“The CEO being present is critical at a time of crisis, not delegation.
“Yes, you have a chain of command, but where is the president? Nigerians ought to know.”
On the Obedient Kwankwasiyya Movement’s reported campaign council, Obi said the group did not have his approval and should operate as a support group rather than a parallel political structure.
“I was not aware, and that’s why I’m disapproving it here.”
He also expressed openness to discussions on opposition cooperation, including the possibility of a presidential candidate stepping aside as part of efforts to strengthen democratic competition.
“When he comes, I’m not desperate to be president; I’m desperate to see Nigeria work. When he comes, it’s a discussion.”
Obi said opposition parties should focus on ensuring free, fair and credible elections, preventing violence and campaigning on issues affecting ordinary Nigerians.
“What I’m saying is that we should all come together and save democracy, ensure that election is free, fair, and credible, violence-free, and that we campaign on issues affecting ordinary Nigerians.”
Boluwatife Enome
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