Precious Nwonu, Enugu
Presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress, Peter Obi, has vowed to prosecute and jail anyone found to have rigged an election under his administration, regardless of the number of votes involved.
Obi made the declaration during an interview with ARISE News on Thursday as he outlined his plans for electoral reform, opposition politics and democratic governance ahead of the 2027 presidential election.
The former Anambra State governor said electoral malpractice would attract serious consequences under his administration.
“If I am the serving president of this country, whoever rigs election will be in jail. Even for one vote, you will be in jail,” Obi said.
He also promised that opposition political parties would be allowed to operate freely and would not be subjected to harassment by his administration.
According to him, opposition parties would be consulted on major national issues, arguing that governance should involve all political interests.
Obi said such consultations would continue even when the president was outside the country on official trips, stressing the need for inclusive decision-making.
He also pledged to remain accessible to Nigerians and said he would prioritise staying in the country rather than spending extended periods abroad.
“Nobody will look for me and say, ‘Where is Peter?’ I won’t be on holiday; I must be in Nigeria,” he said.
## Obi Recalls Campaign Access For Opponents
The NDC candidate criticised what he described as restrictions on political campaigns in some states, arguing that candidates should be allowed to campaign freely regardless of the political affiliation of the incumbent governor.
Obi cited his tenure as Anambra governor, saying he allowed political opponents to campaign in the state and provided support for their activities.
He recalled giving then-Lagos State Governor Babatunde Fashola access to his official convoy when Fashola visited Anambra to campaign.
Obi also said he accompanied former President Olusegun Obasanjo during a campaign for another candidate in Anambra, adding that he did not regard political competition as a reason to prevent opponents from seeking votes.
He similarly recalled receiving former Abia State Governor Orji Uzor Kalu when Kalu campaigned for Uche Ekwunife.
According to Obi, such interactions reflected the democratic principle of allowing voters to hear from competing candidates before making their choices.
Obi Rejects $123m Anambra Debt Claim
The NDC candidate also rejected claims that he left Anambra State with about $123 million in debt after leaving office.
Obi maintained that he did not approach any financial institution to borrow money or issue bonds on behalf of the state during his tenure as governor.
He said that when he left office in March 2014, the state was not owing salaries, gratuities, pensions or contractors and suppliers whose completed projects had been certified and verified.
Obi further disputed the treatment of World Bank and International Fund for Agricultural Development facilities in the debt figures, arguing that they were concessionary development facilities obtained by the Federal Government and subsequently made available to qualifying states.
He said Anambra’s foreign debt stood at about $18 million when he assumed office and rose to about $30 million by the time he left office.
Obi also claimed that he left more than $150 million in dollar-denominated funds and investments, which he said could have generated substantial returns for the state.
He challenged the Anambra State Government and relevant institutions to verify his claims using official records, including his handover documents and banking records.
The controversy comes amid an ongoing public dispute over the financial obligations inherited by successive administrations in Anambra. Anambra State Information Commissioner Law Mefor has separately alleged that eight loans associated with the former administration remain liabilities being repaid by the state.
Obi Says No Rift With Soludo
Addressing his relationship with Governor Chukwuma Soludo, Obi said he had no dispute with the incumbent governor.
“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 Questions Tinubu’s Absence
Obi also criticised President Bola Tinubu’s prolonged absence from Nigeria, arguing that the president’s physical presence was important during periods of national difficulty.
“The CEO being present is critical at a time of crisis, not delegation,” Obi said.
“Yes, you have a chain of command, but where is the president? Nigerians ought to know.”
Obi Disowns Campaign Council
The NDC presidential candidate also said he was not aware of a reported campaign council linked to the Obedient and Kwankwasiyya movements.
Obi said support groups should complement the political party rather than establish parallel structures.
He said the NDC remained the political platform and that any support group should operate within its role of supporting the party.
Obi also expressed willingness to discuss cooperation among opposition politicians ahead of the 2027 election, including discussions that could involve an aspirant stepping aside.
He said his priority was not necessarily to become president but to see Nigeria function effectively.
“I’m not desperate to be president; I’m desperate to see Nigeria work,” Obi said.
He urged opposition parties to work towards credible elections, prevent political violence and focus their campaigns on 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.
