Labour Party presidential candidate in the 2023 general elections, Mr. Peter Obi, on Tuesday vowed that anyone found guilty of rigging elections under his administration will be prosecuted and jailed.
Mr. Obi made the statement during a town hall meeting with youths and civil society groups in Abuja, where he spoke on electoral reforms and good governance ahead of the 2027 general elections.
“According to Mr. Obi, elections must count and votes must count. Under my administration, I will jail anyone who rigs election. We cannot continue to build a nation where criminals determine who leads us,” he said.
The former Anambra State Governor said credible elections are the foundation of democracy and development, adding that Nigeria must end the era of vote buying, ballot snatching and manipulation of results.
He called on the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, security agencies and the judiciary to work together to protect the integrity of the electoral process.
Mr. Obi also urged Nigerians, especially youths, to collect their Permanent Voter Cards, PVCs, and defend their votes in 2027.
“According to a participant at the event, Nigerians are tired of impunity. We need leaders who will enforce the law and protect democracy,” the participant said.
The Electoral Act 2022 prescribes penalties for electoral offences including ballot stuffing, vote buying and falsification of results. However, critics say prosecution has been slow.
In a related development, INEC Chairman, Prof. Joash Amupitan, earlier said the Commission will deploy intelligence to fish out vote buyers ahead of 2027.
Meanwhile, Mr. Obi said his administration, if elected, will strengthen institutions and ensure that no one is above the law, regardless of political affiliation.
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