A former National Commissioner of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Festus Okoye, has condemned the “Rig and Die” slogan gaining attention ahead of the 2027 general elections, describing it as undemocratic and a threat to democratic principles.
Okoye, who previously represented the South-East at the commission, said no individual had the right to use force or violence against anyone suspected of electoral malpractice.
He stated this during an appearance on Arise News on Tuesday evening.
The former INEC commissioner urged Nigerians who witness electoral offences to report them to the appropriate security agencies instead of taking the law into their own hands.
He maintained that the law does not permit citizens to attack or threaten others over alleged attempts to manipulate election results.
“So I think that in our circumstances, no individual, even under Section 132 of the Electoral Act, is permitted to treat anybody with the use of force or violence,” he said.
Okoye added that suspected electoral offenders should be reported to law enforcement agencies for investigation and possible prosecution.
“If you believe that anybody has committed an offence during an election period or during an election, your responsibility is to report the person to the lawful security agencies and for them to take action, but not to incite people to take the law into their own hands; that is self-help, and self-help is not permitted in a democratic system,” he said.
The “Rig and Die” slogan has generated controversy in the political space ahead of the 2027 elections.
The expression gained renewed attention in October after former Deputy Senate President, Ovie Omo-Agege, warned that anyone caught attempting to rig the election would be killed.
Omo-Agege made the statement during a political gathering in Delta State.
Former Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, also drew attention to the slogan when he said his camp would “rig those who rig” the 2027 elections.
Okoye’s comments come amid growing concerns about political intimidation, electoral violence and the need to ensure credible elections in 2027.
