Pat Utomi Alleges INEC Election Rigging Plans Ahead of 2027 Polls

Professor of political economy Pat Utomi has publicly accused the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) of orchestrating plans to manipulate the outcome of the 2027 general elections. In a statement released via his verified X handle, Utomi cautioned that the perceived integrity of the electoral body is at a critical juncture, warning that continued public dissatisfaction could lead to widespread civil unrest.

Concerns Over Technological Application

Central to Utomi’s critique is the commission’s selective application of technology. He argues that INEC displays a paradoxical relationship with digital tools, noting that the commission appears to distrust technology when it comes to the real-time uploading of results to the INEC Result Viewing Portal (IReV). Conversely, he alleges that the commission relies heavily on technology to manipulate the voters’ register.

Utomi characterizes this perceived inconsistency as a deliberate strategy to undermine the democratic process. He suggests that the commission’s actions are fostering a climate of deep resentment among the electorate, stating, “The people are angry everywhere.”

Calls for Electoral Reform and Oversight

In response to these allegations, Utomi has issued a call to action for Nigeria’s political stakeholders. He urged all political parties to unite in demanding a “fully clean and transparently displayed” voters’ register. The objective, according to Utomi, is to ensure that the foundational document of the election is beyond reproach before the voting process begins.

Furthermore, Utomi has appealed to the international community, particularly those nations and organizations that provide support for Nigerian elections, to intervene. He suggested that these stakeholders must communicate the potential consequences of the commission’s current trajectory to INEC leadership.

Potential Legal and Social Consequences

The professor went as far as to equate the alleged electoral manipulation to the “moral equivalent of genocide.” He suggested that the International Criminal Court (ICC) should monitor the situation and be prepared to investigate and prosecute INEC officials, ranging from clerical staff to the Chairman, should their actions lead to systemic disenfranchisement or violence.

Utomi concluded his statement with a stark warning regarding the potential for a popular uprising. Referencing the historical adage often attributed to Joseph Stalin—that it is not those who vote, but those who count the votes, who determine the outcome—Utomi countered that those who miscount may ultimately face the consequences of a revolution driven by public anger. He stated, “They may be about to learn that those who miscount the votes may be statistics of revolutions stoked by the anger of the people.”

Context and Current Status

As of this report, INEC has not issued a formal response to the specific allegations made by Professor Utomi. The claims remain unverified, and the commission has previously maintained that it is committed to conducting free, fair, and credible elections. Public discourse surrounding the 2027 cycle continues to intensify as political figures and civil society organizations express varying levels of confidence in the electoral process.

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p class=”vbna-source-note”>Source: Daily Post Nigeria

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