2027: ‘Do Not Sleep On Election Day, They Will Rig It’ — Ex-INEC Commissioner Warns Nigerians

Former Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) Resident Electoral Commissioner, Mike Igini, has urged Nigerians to remain vigilant and actively monitor the electoral process during the 2027 general elections, warning that voter apathy and failure to document events at polling units could create room for electoral malpractice.

Igini stressed the importance of citizens’ participation in safeguarding the credibility of elections, urging voters, particularly young Nigerians, not to abandon their responsibilities on election day.

“On election day, do not sleep. You have the legal right to use your telephone to make video recordings. If you sleep, they will rig the election,” he said.

The former electoral commissioner called on Nigerians to take advantage of the lawful means available to them to observe proceedings at polling units and document electoral activities as they unfold.

He emphasised that citizens must understand that credible elections require more than casting ballots, noting that sustained voter vigilance could help protect the integrity of the process.

According to him, the presence of citizens at polling units is particularly important because voters are expected to outnumber electoral officials, giving the public a significant role in monitoring proceedings.

“The greatest security that our young men and women who will be at the polling unit will get will be from Nigerian people because in every polling unit voters will outnumber poll officials,” Igini said.

He argued that the responsibility for protecting young Nigerians participating in election monitoring should not rest solely with security agencies or electoral authorities. Still, he should also involve ordinary citizens with a direct stake in the outcome of elections.

Igini further explained that the senior officials responsible for administering elections would not be physically present at every polling unit, making the vigilance of voters and community members essential to ensuring transparency at the grassroots.

“All the key officials of INEC, from the top level down, will not be at the polling units,” he said.

He urged Nigerians to mobilise their communities and sensitise eligible voters ahead of the 2027 elections, stressing that the country’s future depends on citizens’ willingness to participate in building a credible electoral system.

“So, talk to your wards that it is their own future that we want to build a system where there will be opportunity for all and responsibility for all,” he said.