‘Don’t Sleep on Election Day, They Will Rig It’ – Ex-INEC Commissioner Warns Nigerians, Reveals What Voters Must Do
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Mike Igini urges Nigerians to remain vigilant, monitor polling activities and document election results to protect their votes ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Former Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) Resident Electoral Commissioner,
Mike Igini, has warned Nigerians against becoming passive during elections, insisting that citizens must remain alert throughout the voting and result-counting process to prevent electoral manipulation.
Igini, who raised the concern during an interview on Channels Television’s Sunday Politics, cautioned that politicians seeking to manipulate election outcomes could exploit the absence of active citizen monitoring.
“If you sleep, they will rig the election,” he warned.
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The former electoral commissioner urged Nigerians, particularly young voters, to understand that protecting their votes goes beyond obtaining a Permanent Voter Card (PVC) and turning up at polling units on election day.
What Nigerians Must Do
Igini outlined practical measures citizens should adopt to safeguard the credibility of the 2027 elections.
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Among his recommendations are:
Remain vigilant: Voters should stay engaged throughout the electoral process rather than leaving polling units without following the proceedings.
Record electoral activities: Citizens should use their mobile phones to document voting, counting and the announcement of results, within the provisions of electoral laws.
Photograph result sheets: Voters and party agents should obtain clear photographs of polling-unit result sheets, particularly Form EC8A.
Monitor vote counting: Citizens should pay attention to the counting process and ensure that figures announced are properly documented.
Preserve polling-unit results: Political parties and their agents should maintain accurate copies of results for comparison with figures eventually declared at higher collation centres.
Encourage voter participation: Communities should mobilise eligible voters and educate them about their electoral rights and responsibilities.
Why the Warning Matters Ahead of 2027
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Nigeria’s 2023 general elections generated widespread controversy over result transmission, electoral transparency and public confidence in the electoral process.
As preparations gradually build towards 2027, concerns about the credibility of elections, the role of technology and the independence of electoral institutions remain central to national discussions.
Igini’s intervention highlights the importance of citizens’ participation in ensuring that votes are properly counted and recorded.
However, election monitoring must be conducted peacefully and lawfully, without obstructing electoral officials or disrupting voting activities.
Ultimately, the responsibility of protecting democracy does not rest with INEC alone. Voters, political parties, election observers and security agencies all have important roles to play.
The message to Nigerians is simple: Vote, stay vigilant, document the process and insist on accountability.This report is based on Mike Igini’s televised comments and media coverage of his warning.
His recommendations are presented as civic guidance, not as a guarantee that election manipulation will occur.
