‘We Will Rig Those Who Rig It,’ Obi Warns

Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) presidential candidate Peter Obi has vowed to counter any attempts to manipulate the 2027 general election, stating his party will “rig those who rig it.”

Obi made the statement on Wednesday during a town hall meeting in Nasarawa State, responding to a question on electoral integrity.

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

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

He also stated that if elected, his administration would prosecute anyone involved in electoral malpractice, including officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

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

“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.

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

The former Anambra State governor also proposed stricter eligibility requirements for political office, suggesting candidates should be required to prove they attended primary and secondary school.

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

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

Obi stated that his political ambition was driven by a desire to change the country and ensure respect for the rule of law.

“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,” Obi added.