The presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, has pledged to strengthen electoral laws and enforce tougher penalties against electoral offenders if elected president in 2027.

Obi made the pledge on Wednesday at an NDC town hall meeting in Akwanga Local Government Area of Nasarawa State, where he outlined proposed reforms aimed at improving accountability, transparency and electoral credibility.

According to reports from the event, the former Anambra State governor said officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and other individuals found guilty of manipulating election results would face prosecution and imprisonment under his proposed administration.

Obi also called for stricter enforcement of educational requirements for people seeking elective office. He said candidates should demonstrate that they attended primary and secondary school, warning that individuals who forge academic certificates or falsely claim to meet the requirements should face legal consequences.

He stressed that public officials and ordinary citizens must be held accountable under the law, regardless of their status. He also identified stronger political parties and improved electoral processes as priorities for preventing manipulation and restoring public confidence in elections.

The latest pledge follows comments Obi made during an interview with ARISE NEWS on September 24, 2026, when he said anyone who rigged an election under his presidency would go to jail, “even for one vote”. He has also called for greater transparency regarding the academic credentials submitted by candidates contesting elections.

However, any proposed changes to electoral penalties or candidate eligibility requirements would have to comply with Nigeria's applicable constitutional and electoral laws. Obi's statements represent campaign proposals rather than changes to existing law.

INEC has scheduled the presidential and National Assembly elections for January 16, 2027, as political parties intensify preparations ahead of the polls. Electoral integrity and the enforcement of election laws are expected to remain important issues in the campaign.