2027: ‘Rig And Say Your Final Prayer’, Dino Melaye Warns INEC, Alleges Plot To Manipulate Elections

Toyyibat Qasim

Former Kogi West Senator, Dino Melaye, has warned the Independent National Electoral Commission against any attempt to manipulate the 2027 general elections, declaring that alleged electoral malpractice would be fiercely resisted.

Melaye, a chieftain of the African Democratic Congress, raised the alarm on Sunday, accusing the electoral umpire of engaging in what he described as “anticipatory rigging” ahead of the next general elections.

The former lawmaker, in a post on his verified X handle, expressed concerns over what he characterised as suspicious activities by the commission, insisting that INEC must demonstrate its commitment to electoral credibility before Nigerians go to the polls.

“The activities of INEC in recent times point at anticipatory rigging. Which will be resisted,” Melaye wrote.

He further challenged the commission to rebuild public confidence in its ability to conduct free, fair and transparent elections, warning that Nigerians and opposition political actors would not accept any attempt to compromise the electoral process.

“INEC must be born again this time because we will not allow rigging. Rig and say your final prayer,” he added.

Melaye’s comments come against the backdrop of mounting controversies surrounding preparations for the 2027 general elections, particularly concerns over the integrity of the voters’ register and the handling of political parties’ candidate lists.

The commission has recently come under scrutiny following the discovery of suspected AI-generated, duplicate and defective photographs in the preliminary voters’ register, raising questions about the effectiveness of its registration and verification procedures.

There have also been complaints from opposition political parties and their supporters over the alleged omission of some candidates from INEC’s final list, triggering accusations of possible political interference and concerns about the implications for electoral competition.

The controversies have intensified calls for greater transparency, independent scrutiny of electoral data and accountability within the commission ahead of the 2027 polls.

Melaye, who has remained a vocal critic of INEC since the 2023 general elections, did not, however, provide specific evidence in his Sunday post to substantiate his allegation of an impending plot to rig the forthcoming elections.

His warning nevertheless adds to the growing pressure on the electoral commission to address public concerns, clarify disputed aspects of its electoral preparations and demonstrate that it can conduct the 2027 elections without favouritism or manipulation.

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