Presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, has pledged to strengthen electoral laws and impose tougher penalties on 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 to promote accountability, transparency and compliance with electoral laws.

He said his administration would prioritise strengthening political parties and improving electoral processes to prevent manipulation and restore public confidence in elections.

The former Anambra State governor said electoral fraud would attract prosecution, including imprisonment for Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) officials and others found guilty of manipulating election results.

Obi also proposed stricter educational requirements for candidates seeking elective office, arguing that aspirants should demonstrate that they attended primary and secondary school.

He warned that anyone who forged academic certificates or falsely claimed to possess the required educational qualifications should face legal consequences.

The NDC candidate maintained that public officials and citizens must be held accountable under the law, regardless of their status or position.

He said his ambition was driven by the need to build a country where institutions function effectively, electoral rules are respected and no individual is above the law.

Obi’s remarks come as political parties and prospective candidates intensify preparations for the 2027 general elections, with electoral credibility and the integrity of the voting process expected to feature prominently in campaigns.

His proposed reforms would require appropriate legal and institutional measures, while any changes to candidates’ eligibility requirements would have to comply with Nigeria’s constitutional and electoral framework.

Editor’s note: The election dates in the supplied report appear inconsistent with the reference to the 2027 general elections. The presidential and National Assembly elections are stated as January 16, 2026, and the governorship and Houses of Assembly elections as February 6, 2026. These dates should be verified before publication.