Presidential candidate of the Nigerian Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, has vowed to jail anyone found rigging elections under his administration, saying the punishment would apply even if only one vote was manipulated.
Obi made the statement during an interview with ARISE NEWS while outlining his position on 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 promised that opposition political parties would not be harassed under his administration and said they would be consulted on major matters of national importance.
“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… We will invite all opposition.”
Obi said opposition members would also be involved in important decisions when the president travels outside the country.
“It’s our country. For our children, we must build a stable, united, and secure country,” he said.
Obi promises to remain in Nigeria
The NDC candidate also said he would prioritise being physically present in Nigeria if elected president.
“Nobody will look for me and say, ‘Where is Peter?’ I won’t be on holiday; I must be in Nigeria,” he said.
Obi criticised what he described as restrictions on his campaign activities in some states, arguing that political candidates should be allowed to campaign regardless of the political affiliation of state governors.
He cited his time as Anambra governor, recalling instances where he provided support for opposition politicians campaigning in the state.
“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 said.
He also recalled accompanying former President Olusegun Obasanjo during a campaign for another candidate in Anambra.
“He was there telling people, ‘Peter has done well, but this man will do better.’ No problem!” Obi said.
Obi rejects $123m Anambra debt claim
Obi also rejected claims that he left Anambra State with $123 million in debt when he left office 12year’s ago.
“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 Anambra State Government has previously alleged that Obi left $123.77 million in external debt, based on debt records it said covered eight external borrowing facilities.
Obi disputed the interpretation of the figures, saying some of the facilities were development programmes obtained by the Federal Government and subsequently made available to states.
He said Anambra’s foreign debt was about $18 million when he assumed office and about $30 million when he left.
Obi challenged ARISE NEWS to verify the figures with the World Bank, International Fund for Agricultural Development and Nigerian banks.
“Please publish these documents. I’m urging you, please,” he said.
“The World Bank is in Abuja; they can give you the history of the drawdowns.”
The debt dispute remains contested. Recent reporting has noted differences between the total value of facilities associated with Anambra and the amount actually drawn or outstanding at different points.
Obi says Soludo remains his brother
On his relationship with Anambra State Governor Chukwuma Soludo, Obi said there was no personal dispute between them.
“I don’t have any dispute, talk less of being bitter, with my very respected elder brother, Governor Soludo,” he said.
“We remain brothers. He’s the governor of my state, and I respect him.”
Obi also criticised President Bola Tinubu over his periods outside Nigeria, saying the president’s physical presence was important during times of crisis.
“The CEO being present is critical at a time of crisis, not delegation,” Obi said.
Obi rejects reported parallel campaign council
Obi said he was not aware of, and did not approve, a reported campaign council associated with the Obedient Kwankwasiyya Movement.
“I was not aware, and that’s why I’m disapproving it here,” he said.
He also expressed openness to discussions among opposition groups ahead of 2027, including possible arrangements involving presidential candidates.
“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.
He urged opposition parties to focus on free and credible elections, preventing violence and addressing issues affecting 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,” he said.
Arise News
