The Process of Rigging 2027 Elections Has Begun – Prof. Jinadu

Prof. Adele Jinadu, a renowned political scientist, has raised the alarm over what he described as the early stages of rigging ahead of Nigeria’s 2027 general elections. Speaking in Abuja during a Policy Dialogue on “State of Anti-Corruption Policy and Practice in Nigeria,” Prof. Jinadu accused the political elite of appointing known party loyalists as commissioners of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), a move he said undermines the credibility of the electoral process.

According to Prof. Jinadu, “They have started the process of rigging the next general election through the appointment of known party members. Next year, many commissioners will be due for re-appointment. They will use the power of appointment to put those who will do their bidding.”

He also criticized vote-buying, which he described as a deeply entrenched problem. He alleged that party primaries have become avenues for massive financial corruption, where huge sums in both naira and dollars are spent to secure party tickets. Prof. Jinadu argued that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) should focus its efforts on addressing this issue rather than targeting voters who receive meager sums during elections.

Reflecting on the broader anti-corruption efforts in the country, Prof. Jinadu lamented that political interference continues to hinder the work of key agencies like the EFCC and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC). He noted that frequent leadership changes at the EFCC—nine chairpersons since its inception in 2003—illustrate the lack of stability needed for effective operations.

Prof. Jinadu also decried the pervasive corruption within Nigeria’s political class, which he described as prioritizing self-interest over national development. “The tragedy of our democratic politics is that our political class continues to push its self-interest almost to the point of their own self-destruction,” he said. He called for a return to morality in politics and a rejection of the “politics of immorality,” which he identified as a root cause of corruption.

He further condemned the abuse of incumbency, which he said has reached alarming levels in Nigeria’s Fourth Republic. “The abuse of the power of incumbency has reached disturbing heights of impunity. It fuels other forms of corruption and undermines the democratic principle that today’s winners could become tomorrow’s losers,” he stated.

Prof. Jinadu emphasized the urgent need for judicial reforms to tackle corruption effectively. He proposed reforms aimed at reducing the excessive formalism and elitist bias within the legal system to foster a more progressive, activist, and public-interest-oriented legal culture. Such changes, he argued, would provide a foundation for social and distributive justice as state policy.

In a rallying call to citizens, Prof. Jinadu urged Nigerians to remain vigilant and committed to protecting the future of the nation. “Time is running out, but it is not too late. We must fight for the future and speak truth to power,” he concluded.