Presidential candidate Peter Obi promises to jail election riggers — Premium Times Nigeria

In Nigeria, Peter Obi, a presidential candidate from the Nigerian Democratic Congress, said that if elected head of state, he would jail people who rig elections. The former governor of Anambra State said punishment should follow even for manipulating a single vote, while political parties would not face persecution.

Statement on elections

According to Premium Times Nigeria, Obi made the statement on Arise News' Prime Time program. He was answering a question about his possible reaction to visits by opposition politicians for election campaigning if he becomes president.

According to the candidate, he would work with opposition parties and involve them in decision-making on matters concerning the states. Obi also said the opposition would be involved in state decisions even when he travels abroad.

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Complaints about campaign obstruction

Obi expressed concern that some governors are allegedly obstructing his election campaign ahead of the 2027 general elections. He mentioned a recent incident in Benue State during which, according to him, suspected political thugs prevented him and his convoy from entering the state.

The candidate also said that during his second term as governor of Anambra, he received politicians who came to campaign for his opponents. In particular, he said he provided vehicles to the then governor of Lagos, Babatunde Fashola, for a trip to Anambra and also accompanied then-president Olusegun Obasanjo, who campaigned for Andy Uba.

Obi said current governors should ensure that candidates can come to the states and meet voters. He also said that because of the situation surrounding the campaign, he fears for his own safety and is unsure whether he will remain alive until the end of the elections.