Popular Nigerian activist, Aisha Yesufu, has called for election riggers in the country to be treated as terrorists and face the full weight of the law, including capital punishment.
Yesufu, who is widely known for co-founding the #BringBackOurGirls campaign, made her position clear in a post on her verified X (formerly Twitter) account on Friday, October 17.
Her comments come in reaction to recent remarks made by the Governor of Abia State, Dr. Alex Otti, who strongly condemned electoral malpractice. Governor Otti had reportedly warned that “anybody planning to rig elections should first write their will,” a statement that has since sparked discussions across social media and political circles.
Supporting the governor’s tough stance, Yesufu said:
“You see that thing that is reported that Alex Otti said — ‘anybody planning to rig election should first write their will’ — is the mentality Nigerians should have!
I have repeatedly said anyone that rigs election should be treated as a terrorist.”
She argued that election rigging undermines democracy and destroys the foundation of governance. According to her, those who manipulate elections are not just breaking the law but are also endangering the lives and future of millions of Nigerians.
Election rigging has long been a serious problem in Nigeria, with reports of ballot box snatching, vote buying, and manipulation of results at collation centers during past elections. Many believe that these acts have kept corrupt leaders in power and robbed the people of their right to choose.
Yesufu, who has been vocal on issues of governance, human rights, and electoral reforms, believes that strong punishments including treating offenders as terrorists would serve as a deterrent ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Her post has been met with mixed reactions online, with some Nigerians supporting her view, while others say the death penalty is too extreme.
However, the conversation highlights growing frustration among Nigerians over the credibility of elections and increasing calls for electoral reforms and accountability.
As the 2027 elections approach, pressure is mounting on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), security agencies, and political leaders to ensure a free, fair, and credible process.
