Political Elite Allegedly Rigging 2027 Elections, Says Professor Adele Jinadu

Professor Adele Jinadu, a prominent political scientist, has claimed that Nigeria’s political elite has already begun rigging the 2027 general elections. Speaking at a Policy Dialogue in Abuja on the "State of Anti-Corruption Policy and Practice in Nigeria," he criticized the appointment of known party members as commissioners of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), alleging that these actions are clear indicators of political manipulation.

“They have started the process of rigging the next general election through the appointment of known party members,” Jinadu stated. He warned that many commissioners would be due for re-appointment next year, suggesting that those in power would leverage their influence to install individuals who would further their interests.

Jinadu also addressed the pervasive issue of vote-buying in Nigeria's political landscape. He urged the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to focus on the substantial monetary transactions occurring during party primaries rather than targeting impoverished voters who receive small sums. “Vote buying is done through procurement; they are amassing war chests for 2027,” he explained, calling for the EFCC to investigate the significant amounts exchanged for party tickets.

Emphasizing the need for active resistance against electoral manipulation and systemic corruption, Jinadu stated, “We must not fold our arms doing nothing. I am not tired of fighting. We must speak truth to power.”

He criticized the political interference affecting the EFCC and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Offences Commission (ICPC), highlighting that frequent leadership changes in these bodies undermine their effectiveness. Since its establishment in 2003, the EFCC has had nine chairpersons, which Jinadu argues has contributed to its inefficiency.

“The tragedy of our democratic politics is that our political class continues to push its self-interest, undermining national development,” he added. He characterized the abuse of incumbency power as “the worst form of political corruption,” which compromises electoral fairness.

In conclusion, Jinadu called for judicial reforms to effectively combat corruption, advocating for a legal framework that promotes social and distributive justice: “We must begin a process of reforming our legal system in fundamental ways