2027: Concern as Ex-Governor Ibori Reportedly Pushes for Close Associate as INEC Chairman

A political maneuver aimed at influencing Nigeria’s 2027 elections is reportedly underway, with former Delta State Governor James Ibori lobbying for the appointment of a close associate as Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

Sources indicate that Ibori, a convicted ex-governor who served a jail term in the United Kingdom for embezzling public funds, is advocating for Moses Ogbe, a former Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC), to replace the current INEC Chairman, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu. The move has raised serious concerns about potential election manipulation, given Ogbe’s controversial past in electoral processes.

Ibori’s influence in Nigerian politics remains significant despite his criminal record. He has successfully positioned allies in strategic government roles, including Chinedu Ebie as Chairman of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) Governing Board and his daughter, Erhiatake Ibori-Suenu, as Chairperson of the House Committee on NDDC. His latest push for Ogbe as INEC Chairman is seen as part of a broader strategy to control the electoral process in 2027.

Investigations reveal that Ogbe has a troubling history of alleged election rigging. He was appointed as a REC under Prof. Maurice Iwu, who oversaw Nigeria’s widely criticized 2007 elections. That election was so flawed that then-President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua acknowledged its failures and initiated electoral reforms. Ogbe was reportedly a key player in the manipulation tactics deployed at the time.

His tenure as REC in Lagos during the 2003 elections was also marred by allegations of irregularities under then-Governor Bola Tinubu. Sources suggest that Tinubu, now Nigeria’s President, has a history of appointing loyalists to key positions. Examples include his former Chief Security Officer, Kayode Egbetokun, who was appointed Inspector General of Police in 2023 and had his tenure extended until after the 2027 elections. Similarly, the Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Olu Olukoyede, was handpicked by Tinubu and given a four-year term.

Ogbe’s alleged election manipulation continued when he was appointed by then-Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan—another Ibori ally—as Chairman of the Delta State Independent Electoral Commission (DSIEC). In this role, he was accused of rigging the 2014 Delta State Local Government Council elections. Reports suggest that instead of announcing results at designated collation centers, he declared pre-written outcomes from the DSIEC headquarters in Asaba, ensuring victory for the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

The prospect of Ogbe leading INEC has alarmed political observers. A senior political source warned that his appointment would “make the 2027 election worse than 2023 and 2007 combined,” citing a history of electoral fraud and impunity. Concerns have also been raised about other individuals with alleged ties to past election rigging who may be positioned in key roles ahead of the 2027 elections.

When contacted about the allegations, Ogbe denied any involvement, stating, “I don’t know anything like that. I am done with my job at INEC since 2017. I am presently in my village doing what will give me money.”