Peter Obi

Obi: Anyone Who Rigs Election Under My Government Will Go to Jail

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Obi: Anyone Who Rigs Election Under My Government Will Go to Jail

Presidential candidate of the Nigerian Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, has vowed that anyone who rigs an election under his administration will be jailed, regardless of the number of votes involved. Obi made the declaration during an interview with ARISE NEWS on Thursday, September 24, 2026, while discussing electoral integrity, opposition politics and democratic governance ahead of the 2027 presidential election. “I’ve said it, and I’ll say it again: if I am the serving president of this country, whoever rig elections will be in jail. Even for one vote, you will be in jail,” Obi said. Obi Promises Support for Opposition Parties Obi also pledged that opposition parties would not be harassed under his administration, saying they would be involved in decisions on matters of national importance. “No political party will be harassed; we will support them,” he said. “We will be working with opposition political parties if there’s a matter of state where we have to take a decision… We will invite all opposition. “It’s a country, everyone is involved, and I want to involve everybody.” He added that opposition members would remain involved in government decisions even when the president travels outside the country. Obi also promised to remain accessible to Nigerians and spend most of his time in the country. “Nobody will look for me and say, ‘Where is Peter?’ I won’t be on holiday; I must be in Nigeria.” Obi Recalls Allowing Opponents to Campaign in Anambra The NDC candidate criticised alleged restrictions on opposition campaign activities in some states, saying candidates should be allowed to campaign regardless of political affiliations. He recalled that, as Anambra governor, he allowed political opponents to campaign freely in the state. Obi cited former Lagos State Governor Babatunde Fashola, former President Olusegun Obasanjo and former Abia State Governor Orji Uzor Kalu as examples of politicians who campaigned in Anambra while he was governor. “That’s democracy, because I wanted the people to vote. There was no issue,” he said. Obi Rejects Anambra Debt Claims Obi also rejected claims that he left Anambra State with $123 million in debt when he left office in March 2014. “Let me categorically state again: I, Mr. Peter Obi, did not approach any financial institution to borrow money or issue bonds on behalf of Anambra State in the eight years that I was in government.” He said his administration left without unpaid salaries, gratuities, pensions or verified obligations to contractors and suppliers whose work had been completed. Obi said the World Bank and International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) facilities cited in the debt controversy were development programmes obtained through the Federal Government and accessed by participating states through subsidiary arrangements. He put Anambra’s external debt at about $18 million when he assumed office and about $30 million when he left in March 2014. He also claimed that more than $150 million in dollar-denominated funds had been left in investments, generating about $10 million annually. The Anambra State Government has disputed Obi’s account, previously claiming that outstanding loans linked to past administrations stood at about ₦127.37 billion as of June 30, 2026. Obi urged ARISE NEWS to independently verify the figures with the World Bank and Nigerian banks, saying he had presented documents supporting his position. Obi: ‘I Have No Dispute With Soludo’ On his relationship with Anambra Governor Chukwuma Soludo, Obi said there was no dispute between them. “I don’t have any dispute, talk less of being bitter, with my very respected elder brother, Governor Soludo. “We remain brothers. He’s the governor of my state, and I respect him.” Obi Questions Tinubu’s Absence Obi also questioned President Bola Tinubu’s absence from Nigeria, arguing that the president’s physical presence is important during periods of crisis. “The CEO being present is critical at a time of crisis, not delegation. “Yes, you have a chain of command, but where is the president? Nigerians ought to know.” Obi Disowns Reported Kwankwasiyya Campaign Council On reports of an Obedient Kwankwasiyya campaign council, Obi said the group did not have his approval. “I was not aware, and that’s why I’m disapproving it here,” he said. He, however, remained open to discussions on opposition cooperation, including the possibility of a presidential candidate stepping aside as part of broader talks. “When he comes, I’m not desperate to be president; I’m desperate to see Nigeria work. When he comes, it’s a discussion.” Obi urged opposition parties to focus on free and credible elections, preventing violence and campaigning 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.”

Obi Insists He Left Anambra Debt-Free, Rejects Government’s Claims

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Obi: Anyone Who Rigs Election Under My Government Will Go to Jail

  Presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, has insisted that he left Anambra State without outstanding debts when he ended his eight-year tenure as governor in 2014. Obi made the claim on Thursday during an interview on Arise TV’s Prime Time, while responding to allegations by the Anambra State Government that his administration left loans and other financial liabilities for successive governments to service. Obi Explains Loan Controversy Obi said he did not approach any financial institution to borrow money or issue bonds on behalf of the state during his tenure. “Let me categorically state again: I, Mr Peter Obi, did not approach any financial institution to borrow money or issue bonds on behalf of Anambra State in the eight years I was in government,” he said. He also maintained that the state was not owing salaries, pensions, gratuities or contractors whose projects had been completed, certified and verified when he left office. On the loans being attributed to his administration, Obi said some of the funding arrangements involved Federal Government-supported multilateral financing and argued that undrawn funds should not be regarded as debt incurred by his administration. He specifically cited the World Bank-backed State Education Programme Investment Project (SEPIP), saying its drawdown occurred after he had left office. Anambra Government Disagrees The Anambra State Government has disputed Obi’s position, saying his administration left eight external loan obligations. The state government said the outstanding balance stood at about N127.4 billion as of June 30, 2026, based on figures it attributed to the Debt Management Office. Obi, however, rejected the claim and maintained that he left the state in a strong financial position. He also cited former Debt Management Office Director-General Abraham Nwankwo, who he said had publicly described him as the only governor who did not visit the DMO for approval to borrow money during Nwankwo’s tenure. The dispute over Anambra’s finances has continued to feature prominently in the political debate ahead of the 2027 presidential election.

Makinde Campaign Condemns Alleged Blockade of Peter Obi’s Convoy in Benue••• Accuses APC of Desperation to Silence Opposition Ahead of 2027

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Makinde Campaign Condemns Alleged Blockade of Peter Obi’s Convoy in Benue••• Accuses APC of Desperation to Silence Opposition Ahead of 2027

IBADAN — The campaign organisation of the Presidential Candidate of the Allied Peoples Movement (APM), Engr. Seyi Makinde, has condemned the alleged obstruction of the convoy of the Nigerian Democratic Congress (NDC) Presidential Candidate, Peter Obi, during his visit to Benue State. The campaign, in a statement issued on Wednesday and signed by Makinde’s Special Adviser on Media and Digital Communication, Anthony Ehilebo, described the incident as “unwarranted” and alleged that it was part of attempts to intimidate opposition figures ahead of the 2027 general elections. Obi, a former governor of Anambra State, was reportedly in Benue on Tuesday to visit families affected by the killings in Yelwata when his convoy was allegedly obstructed by suspected state-sponsored thugs. The Makinde campaign described the incident as disturbing and unacceptable, alleging that the development represented a new dimension in what it characterised as the ruling All Progressives Congress’ efforts to stifle opposition activities ahead of the 2027 elections. The campaign further linked the incident to Obi’s participation in the inauguration of the Makinde/Daura Presidential Campaign Office on Monday, September 7, 2026, where he joined other opposition figures to express solidarity with Makinde. According to the statement, the ruling APC was “seriously afraid and completely rattled” by recent political developments, which it alleged had resulted in the use of intimidation, harassment and obstruction against opposition leaders. The campaign also faulted the explanation reportedly attributed to the Benue State Government that Obi did not obtain prior permission before visiting the state. It argued that Nigerian citizens have constitutional rights to move freely within the country and associate with others without seeking permission from state authorities. The statement cited Sections 40 and 41(1) of the 1999 Constitution, which provide for freedom of assembly and association as well as freedom of movement, respectively. The campaign said, “Every Nigerian, whether presidential candidate or not, has a constitutionally guaranteed right to enter, live, and move freely within any state in Nigeria to conduct his or her legitimate activity without any prior permission or notice.” It argued that roadblocks and the alleged deployment of thugs to obstruct opposition candidates were inconsistent with the principles of a constitutional democracy. The campaign consequently called on the Nigeria Police Force to commence a full investigation into the incident and ensure that anyone found culpable was brought to justice. It said such action was necessary to protect the integrity of Nigeria’s democratic process ahead of the 2027 general elections. The Makinde campaign reaffirmed its commitment to a peaceful electoral process, stressing that the reported incident would not deter it from participating in legitimate political activities. “We remain committed to a peaceful electoral process, but it is important to state that we shall not be deterred nor cowed by the antics of those who seek to make peaceful participation impossible,” the statement added

Peter Obi Backs Pastor Adeboye, Cautions Against Ethnic Division

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  The National Democratic Congress flagbearer, Peter Obi, has warned Nigerian youths against ethnic and religious divisions, urging them not to be used to promote narratives that undermine national unity. Obi stated this in a post on his X account on Thursday, amid a wave of social media attacks targeting the General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God, Pastor Enoch Adeboye, over the worsening insecurity in the country. Many young Nigerians had demanded that Adeboye speak out or lead protests against the Federal Government, citing a viral photograph purportedly showing the cleric holding a placard during a demonstration against the administration of former President Goodluck Jonathan. RCCG has since debunked the claim, clarifying that the image was taken during a peaceful walk organised under the late President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration and had no connection to any political protest. In his message, Obi said the 2023 general elections, particularly in Lagos State, offered lessons on how public discourse can be diverted from issues of governance and development into ethnic and identity-based sentiments. He said politicians who struggle to compete on ideas, performance and vision often resort to exploiting such divisions. “Throughout history, whenever politicians find it difficult to compete on ideas, performance, character, or vision, some resort to exploiting the fault lines of ethnicity, religion, and identity. Their calculation is simple: a divided people are easier to manipulate than a united people. “Today, I see similar efforts emerging again, sometimes in more subtle and sophisticated ways. Narratives are planted, amplified, and circulated, often by individuals who genuinely believe they are defending a worthy cause, without recognising the broader agenda behind such campaigns,” he said. Obi cautioned that many Nigerians often participate in such narratives without understanding the broader intent behind them. The former Anambra State governor defended Adeboye, describing him as a respected religious leader who has consistently preached peace, unity and reconciliation. He said it would be unfair to burden the cleric with responsibilities that belong to younger Nigerians, urging youths to take responsibility for driving national change. “Let me state clearly that Pastor Enoch Adeboye remains one of the foremost fathers of faith in our nation. For decades, he has consistently preached the virtues of peace, prayer, love, reconciliation, and national unity. Even when faced with provocation, his response has always reflected humility, restraint, wisdom, and grace. “At 84 years of age, it would be unfair for young and able-bodied Nigerians to transfer to him responsibilities that properly belong to them. “The task of building a better Nigeria rests primarily on the shoulders of the younger generation. It is their duty to lead the conversations, champion the reforms, and drive the positive change our nation urgently requires,” Obi said. Obi further advised Nigerians to verify information, question narratives, and resist manipulation. “The Nigeria of our dreams can only be built by citizens who refuse to be divided, who choose unity over hatred, and who place our collective future above narrow interests,” he added.

Don’t Visit Edo Without Security Clearance – Okpebholo Warns Peter Obi

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Don’t Visit Edo Without Security Clearance – Okpebholo Warns Peter Obi

  Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has warned that the Labour Party presidential candidate in the 2023 elections, Peter Obi, must get security clearance before coming to the state. Obi had visited Benin, the state capital, on July 7 and donated N15m million to St Philomena Hospital School of Nursing Sciences for the completion of projects in the school. The governor, who spoke on Friday while receiving Marcus Onobun, the last remaining opposition federal lawmaker in the state, into the All Progressives Congress, condemned Obi’s visit to the state. He asserted that his visit coincided with the resurgence of violence in the state. “That man who says he has no ‘shishi’ came and dropped ₦15 million. Where did he get it from? After he left, three people were killed. For this reason, Obi must not come to Edo without security clearance. “His visit coincided with a resurgence of violence in the state and this will not be tolerated,” the governor stated. Speaking at the event, the governor described Onobun’s move to APC as the final nail in the coffin of the PDP in Edo State. He said that the APC is now firmly in control of Edo State, declaring that all traces of the opposition would be completely erased by the 2027 general elections. He added, “We are not lobbying anyone to join APC; they are coming because they see the results of our governance. In 2027, 2.5 million votes from Edo are guaranteed for President Bola Tinubu. “Last week, we finally buried the PDP in Edo State. I saw someone crying at Ring Road, talking about having 65 per cent. That is what we call social media winning. When I said I would become the Governor, I meant it. Today, we are turning Edo into a construction site, and they can see it,” he said. The governor further accused key opposition figures of deep-rooted corruption and mismanagement, claiming some of them were responsible for derailed national infrastructure projects and national insecurity. He said, “Some of them stole railway funds. Some were Senate Presidents for years and could not build roads to their villages. Some sold off Nigeria’s assets and even ushered in Boko Haram and kidnappers. These same people now want to form new parties. Today, SDP, tomorrow ADC, next ADA. We do not need insecurity merchants,” Okpebholo declared. Acting Deputy State Chairman of APC, Sylvester Aigboboh, said the defection is a major boost for the party, as it prepares for a major senatorial rerun election coming up next month. He said the remnants in the PDP are expected to join the ruling APC in the coming months, as the country prepares for the 2027 general elections. In his remarks, Onobun, who represents Esan Central/Esan West/Igueben Federal Constituency, said that his defection was both ideological and strategic. “I led the campaign for an Esan Governor. Now that we have one, I cannot be in the opposition. I have seen what Governor Okpebholo is doing; Edo people have seen it. I am back home to support him so that our people can get more,” he said. Onobun was accompanied into the APC by a host of former APC members who had earlier defected with him to the PDP. Their return, observers say, is a major consolidation of political strength ahead of future electoral contests in the State. Punch

Peter Obi Declares 2027 Presidential Ambition, To Serve Only One Term

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  Presidential candidate of the Labour Party in the 2023 election, Peter Obi, has confirmed he will contest the 2027 presidential election. Obi added that he was willing to serve a single four-year term if elected. He made the declaration on Sunday night while speaking during a live session on X Spaces, where he answered questions from supporters both in Nigeria and abroad. In a statement released on Monday by his spokesman, Ibrahim Umar of the Peter Obi Media Reach, Obi dismissed claims of a possible joint ticket with former Vice President Atiku Abubakar. However, he admitted being open to coalition talks, only if they are focused on addressing Nigeria’s core problems. “If the coalition is not about stopping the killings in Benue, Zamfara, how to revive our economy, how to make our industries productive, how to put food on the tables of Nigerians… Count me out. Nigeria is currently at war. We need to do something about it,” Obi said. He also promised to stabilise Nigeria within two years of his administration and urged Nigerians to join him in the mission to rescue the nation. “I will bring stability in Nigeria within two years in office. Leaders of Nigeria should sit down in Nigeria and fix Nigeria,” he added. Speaking on the crisis within the Labour Party, Obi revealed that efforts were ongoing to secure the Independent National Electoral Commission’s recognition for the Nenadi Usman-led faction in line with the Supreme Court’s ruling. On power rotation, Obi stated, “I believe in the rotation of government between North and South. I implemented it in Anambra as a governor.” Commenting on President Bola Tinubu’s reported trip to St. Lucia, Obi criticised the President’s domestic absence, saying, “St Lucia is about the size of the 10th largest city of Nigeria, Ilorin. President Tinubu has never slept a night in any state of Nigeria outside Lagos since the assumption of office in 2023. PBAT to stay in St Lucia for 10 days.” Regarding his 2027 plans, Obi said the approach would be non-violent and focused on transparency. He stated, “We will do things differently in 2027. We will follow a non-violent approach and insist that the right thing will be done before the result announcement in Abuja. Our votes in 2027 will count, and we will ensure they count.” He outlined three priorities for his first 100 days in office: security, education, and poverty reduction. “My family will not be involved in corruption. Funds to be channelled into key critical sectors,” he said. Obi vowed to promote strong party opposition and end party-switching by elected officials. “There will be no defection of elected officials to other parties when I am in charge,” he asserted. He criticised the current administration for misaligned priorities, saying, “Imagine in this country, people are dying in Benue, Borno, and other parts of the country], and our leaders are commissioning bus stops and holidaying.” He called for responsible governance and integrity. “To bring order in governance, I will prioritise security, education and pulling people out of poverty. To do this is by cutting the cost of governance and fighting corruption from day one. “My past speaks loudly for me. Wherever there was an issue in Anambra State, I was there physically. Anybody who wants to serve should be ready to put their life on the line for the lives of Nigerians. Nobody abroad takes you seriously if you don’t have a stable government.” Punch

Peter Obi Slams Tinubu’s Delayed Response To National Tragedies

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  Former Anambra State Governor and 2023 Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi has criticised President Bola Tinubu’s delayed visit to crisis-hit regions of the country. Obi warned that selective empathy and “leadership by remote control” send a dangerous message to grieving Nigerians In a post on X handle on Tuesday, Obi hailed Tinubu’s planned visit to Benue massacre communities but noted that similar compassion should be shown to communities in Niger State, particularly Mokwa, where floods reportedly claimed over 200 lives and left more than 1,000 people missing. “It was refreshing news on Monday to a bewildered nation learning that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has finally decided to visit the scene of the brutal killings in Benue State. For this, I thank him. “Even as I make further request that similar gesture should be extended to Niger state that lost more number of human lives in a natural disaster, flood recently. “Given the emergency nature of these incidents, a prompt visit would have delivered the urgency needed instead of giving future dates that make it look like a state visit,” Obi said. Obi stressed that presidential presence in disaster-hit areas can be “very reassuring and uplifting” for grieving communities, adding that the scale of devastation in both Benue and Niger demanded equal national attention. “Both Benue and Niger States have lost over 200 lives each due to recent tragedies. In Mokwa alone, more than 200 people were confirmed dead, and over 1,000 are still missing following the floods. These are not just statistics; they are the lives of Nigerian families torn apart and their communities destroyed,” he wrote. Obi noted that the distances from Abuja to both Makurdi and Mokwa are “not far”, about 282km and 287km, respectively. He contrasted this with a recent trip made by South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, who travelled over 1,800km round trips to visit flood victims in Mthatha, where fewer than 100 people died. Obi said,”If the South African President could do it, we trust that you, as our own President, can do the same for your people. “Let your visit to Mokwa send a strong message, that all Nigerian lives matter, and that no community, no matter how rural, is forgotten.” He concluded by urging Tinubu to not only show up physically but also enhance security and disaster preparedness, especially in vulnerable regions. “We look forward to seeing not leadership by remote control but proactive leadership that responds not just with words, but with compassion and action,” Obi added. Punch  

Peter Obi Seeks Transparency As Production In Port Harcourt Refinery Begins

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  The presidential candidate of the Labour Party in the 2023 general election, Peter Obi, has called on the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation Limited to ensure transparency and accountability in the operations of the newly launched Port Harcourt Refinery. After several postponements, the Port Harcourt refinery finally commenced fuel production on Tuesday. The refinery would start with 60,000 barrels capacity per day, releasing Premium Motor Spirit, diesel, and others into the Nigerian market. The NNPC spokesperson, Olufemi Soneye, revealed that the loading of trucks would start on Tuesday. “Port Harcourt Refinery begins production. Truck loading starts today, Tuesday,” Soneye told our correspondent.” Reacting to the development on Wednesday in a post on his X handle, Obi described the revival of the refinery as a positive step while praising NNPCL for achieving this milestone. He, however, emphasised the need for NNPCL to be transparent in its activities. The statement read, “I wish to congratulate the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) for fulfilling the long-standing promise of revamping the old Port Harcourt refinery. The refinery, which comes on stream today boasts an installed production capacity of 60,000 barrels of crude oil per day. Approximately 200 trucks are expected to load products daily from the refinery. Nigerians now await the corresponding impact and benefits on pump prices and the overall economy. “Additionally, news of the Kaduna refinery’s revival is promising, as it is expected to boost productivity, improve transportation, and alleviate economic burdens across the country. While we acknowledge these achievements as a step in the right direction, it is crucial to emphasize the importance of transparency in the operations of the NNPC. “Nigerians deserve clarity and accountability regarding the management of the nation’s vital oil resources, ensuring that the benefits of increased refining capacity reach every Nigerian and that the gains are used to support long-term development.” Punch

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