Former political adviser to Nigeria’s Vice President, Dr. Hakeem Baba-Ahmed, has raised serious concerns over the credibility of the upcoming 2027 general elections, warning that any attempt to rig the process could plunge the country into a deep crisis.
In a post shared on his verified X account on Monday, Baba-Ahmed called on political leaders and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to take the growing public concerns seriously.
“Voices are being raised regarding integrity of the 2027 elections. Our leaders and INEC should listen,” he wrote. “Anything short of the most transparent elections will produce neither winners nor losers. Rigging will risk plunging this country into its worst crises. No one wants that.”
His warning comes at a time when the House of Representatives is considering a proposal to amend the Electoral Act, allowing all five major elections — presidential, National Assembly, governorship, and State Assembly — to be conducted on the same day in 2027.
While the proposal aims to streamline the electoral process and reduce cost, stakeholders continue to raise questions about INEC’s capacity to deliver free, fair, and credible elections under such pressure.
Dr. Baba-Ahmed’s statement adds to a growing national debate over the need to strengthen Nigeria’s democracy and avoid a repeat of past electoral controversies.