Former Kogi West Senator and African Democratic Congress (ADC) chieftain, Dino Melaye, has issued a stern warning to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), accusing the electoral umpire of taking calculated administrative steps toward “anticipatory rigging” ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Speaking via a statement posted to his official X (formerly Twitter) handle on Sunday, November 1, 2026, the vocal former lawmaker declared that any attempt by the electoral body to manipulate the votes of Nigerians would face fierce public resistance.
Melaye charged that recent actions by the electoral body indicate pre-election manipulation, asserting that the commission must undergo a total operational overhaul to redeem its standing. Issuing an explicit warning to election administrators, he stated, “INEC must be born again this time because we will not allow rigging. Rig and say your final prayer.”
The ADC chieftain’s outburst comes amid escalating public scrutiny and criticism directed at the electoral body over unresolved structural issues.
Concerns have intensified following disclosures of AI-generated photos discovered within the preliminary voters’ register, alongside recurring complaints by opposition political parties regarding the omission of candidates’ names and documentation from official lists.
With political movements ramping up early mobilization for the 2027 general elections, opposition leaders continue to demand complete transparency, full real-time electronic transmission of results, and strict compliance with the Electoral Act.
As of Sunday evening, neither the leadership of INEC nor its official spokespersons have issued a response to Melaye’s allegations.
