Hakeem Baba-Ahmed Urges INEC to Protect Voters’ Mandate, Raises Concerns Over Insecurity and Electoral Transparency
The National Chairman of the Peoples Redemption Party (PRP), Hakeem Baba-Ahmed, has warned that the 2027 general election could be manipulated, urging electoral authorities to strengthen safeguards to protect the will of Nigerian voters.
Baba-Ahmed gave the warning during an interview on Channels Television’s Politics Today, where he stressed that no election was entirely immune to manipulation.
Asked whether the 2027 election could be rigged, the PRP chairman responded, “Absolutely.”
“There is no election that cannot be rigged,” he said, while emphasising that authorities could take practical measures to prevent electoral malpractice and limit attempts to undermine the people’s mandate.
The former secretary of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) called on relevant authorities to ensure that the electoral process remains transparent, credible and accountable.
Insecurity Could Affect Voter Participation
Baba-Ahmed also expressed concern that insecurity could prevent eligible voters in some parts of the country from participating fully in the 2027 elections.
He particularly highlighted communities affected by banditry and kidnapping in northern Nigeria, where residents face restrictions on movement and difficulties carrying out their daily activities.
According to him, failure to address the security situation could make it difficult for some citizens to access polling units and exercise their constitutional right to vote.
“If you don’t improve the manner in which people can freely move out, you can use security to prevent people from voting completely,” he warned.
He urged security agencies and the government to take effective measures to protect communities and ensure that insecurity does not undermine electoral participation.
Calls for Clearer Communication on Election Results
The PRP chairman also raised concerns about public understanding of the legal procedures governing the announcement of election results.
He called on INEC to communicate electoral rules and procedures more clearly to prevent confusion over the responsibilities of electoral officials at different stages of the process.
Baba-Ahmed noted that the electoral process extends from voting through the collation of results to the formal declaration of winners, stressing the importance of public awareness of the applicable legal framework.
He urged INEC to strengthen public confidence in the process by ensuring that election results accurately reflect the choices made by voters.
Electoral Credibility in Focus Ahead of 2027
His comments come as political parties begin preparations for the 2027 general elections, with electoral transparency, insecurity and voter participation emerging as major issues in the political debate.
The warning highlights the importance of proactive measures to prevent malpractice, protect voters and ensure that eligible Nigerians can participate freely in the elections.
As preparations continue, INEC and security agencies face growing expectations to safeguard the electoral process and maintain public confidence in the outcome.