Television presenter Seun Okinbaloye has clarified that his widely shared warning about Nigeria’s 2027 election being “already rigged” was not directed at any political party, candidate or individual financier, but at alleged weaknesses in voter-registration records.
Key takeaways
- Okinbaloye said his comments focused on purported fake voter cards and a compromised electoral register.
- He said he did not mention any party, candidate or sponsor in his original warning.
- The broadcaster urged the Independent National Electoral Commission to clean up the voter database before the 2027 polls.
- His earlier remarks triggered public debate, with some interpreting them as criticism of the APC and others as an allegation against INEC.
Clarification over viral election remarks
Speaking on Sunday Politics, the Channels Television anchor said the reaction to his earlier statement had misrepresented its intent. He maintained that he had not singled out a political organisation, levelled allegations against a contender or identified anyone as backing an electoral scheme.
“In my warning, I didn’t name any political party, accuse any candidate, and identify any sponsor. I only said 2027 election is already being rigged through fake voter register,” Okinbaloye said.
Call for voter-register cleanup
Okinbaloye called on the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, to move quickly to cleanse its voter register ahead of the 2027 general election. He said fraudulent entries and voter cards generated through artificial intelligence should be identified and removed from the system.
During Friday’s Politics Today programme, Okinbaloye had cautioned that manipulation of voter registration could already be undermining the credibility of the 2027 electoral process. The comments subsequently drew extensive public reaction, with some viewers claiming he was referring to the All Progressives Congress, APC, while others believed his remarks were aimed at INEC.
