2027 Elections: ‘We’ll Rig Those Who Rig It,’ Obi Warns Electoral Offenders

Peter Obi, the presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), has issued a strong warning to anyone planning to manipulate Nigeria’s 2027 general election, declaring that electoral offenders would face jail terms under his administration.

The former Anambra State governor gave the warning on Wednesday at an NDC town hall meeting in Nasarawa State, where he addressed party supporters on electoral accountability and reforms needed to strengthen Nigeria’s democratic process.

Speaking in response to a question on how his party would respond to election rigging, Obi vowed that attempts to manipulate the forthcoming election would not go unchallenged.

“You didn’t ask about what we are going to do if people rig election next year. Let me assure you, number one, this coming election, we will rig those who rig it,” he said.

Obi also promised to make election rigging impossible if he becomes president, explaining that strengthening political parties and improving the electoral process would be among his priorities.

“And let me assure you number two, if I’m elected the President of Nigeria, nobody will rig election in this country again because the first thing we need to do is to strengthen our parties, strengthen the process,” he stated.

Beyond electoral reforms, the NDC candidate called for stricter educational requirements for political aspirants, arguing that anyone seeking elective office should have attended primary and secondary school.

“Our laws will be strict. For you to contest election, you must have attended a primary school, you must have attended a secondary school and it will be visible, it will be clear,” Obi said.

He further warned that individuals who forged academic credentials or misrepresented their educational backgrounds would be jailed.

“If you didn’t attend any of them or forge your certificate, you go to jail,” he added.

The former governor said the proposed crackdown would also cover officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and other election administrators found guilty of manipulating results or compromising the electoral process.

“Any INEC official, anybody who is involved with elections under my watch that rigs elections will go to jail,” Obi declared.

He stressed that his government would enforce the rule of law without discrimination, maintaining that no Nigerian should be allowed to operate above the law, regardless of status or position.

“Under my watch, Nigeria must be a country that has a law, and both from the number one person to the last person must obey the rule of law,” he said.

“Nobody must be above the law; nobody will behave rascally.”

Obi said his presidential ambition was rooted in his determination to bring about national change and build a country where democratic institutions function effectively and electoral rules are respected.

“That’s why we are doing what we are doing. We want to change Nigeria. A new Nigeria is possible, and that new Nigeria will be OK,” he added.

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