Obi Pledges Jail for Election Rigging, Calls for Policy Debate

Peter Obi said he would seek prison terms for anyone who rigged an election under his administration if he became Nigeria’s president, while pledging to include opposition parties in government decisions and keep political debate focused on policies rather than personal attacks. In an interview on September 24, 2026, the Nigeria Democratic Congress presidential candidate said the penalty would apply even if an election were altered by a single vote. The statement was a description of his proposed approach; the reports do not establish that election rigging had occurred. Obi also said opposition parties would not be harassed and would be consulted on national decisions, including when he traveled abroad. He presented cooperation with political rivals as part of his approach to governing and said he had allowed opponents to campaign in Anambra State while he was governor. At the All Nigeria Editors Conference in Enugu, Obi said he would not personally insult President Bola Tinubu or other public officials.