- Prof. Adele Jinadu warns that Nigeria’s political elite has begun rigging the 2027 general elections through strategic appointments and vote buying.
- Known party members are being appointed as commissioners of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
- Vote buying is a significant concern, with huge amounts of money being used to secure party tickets.
Prof. Adele Jinadu, a renowned Political Scientist, has sounded the alarm on the alleged rigging of the 2027 Nigerian general elections. According to Jinadu, the process of rigging has already begun, with the appointment of known party members as commissioners of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
Factors Contributing to Electoral Malpractices
- Appointment of Biased Commissioners: The appointment of known party members as INEC commissioners undermines the integrity of the electoral process.
- Vote Buying: Huge amounts of money are being used to secure party tickets, which can lead to undue influence and corruption.
- Political Interference: Constant removal and replacement of chairmen of anti-corruption agencies, such as the EFCC and ICPC, hinder their ability to effectively combat corruption.
Consequences of Electoral Malpractices
- Undermining Democracy: Electoral malpractices erode trust in the democratic process and undermine the legitimacy of elected officials.
- Corruption: Vote buying and other forms of corruption can lead to the entrenchment of corrupt practices in government.
- National Development: Corruption and electoral malpractices can stifle national development and hinder progress.
Way Forward
- Judicial Reforms: Prof. Jinadu advocates for judicial reforms to tackle corruption and ensure social and distributive justice.
- Electoral Reforms: Implementing proportional electoral systems and power-sharing mechanisms can reduce electoral malpractices.
- Public Awareness: Raising awareness about the importance of free and fair elections can help to combat electoral malpractices.
