The National Chairman of the Peoples Redemption Party (PRP), Hakeem Baba-Ahmed, has warned that the 2027 general election could be manipulated, urging authorities to take measures to protect the integrity of the electoral process.
Baba-Ahmed said electoral malpractice remained a possibility in Nigeria, arguing that steps must be taken to minimise attempts to undermine the will of voters.
He made the remarks during an interview on Channels Television’s Politics Today on Tuesday.
Asked whether the 2027 election could be rigged, the PRP chairman responded in the affirmative.
“Absolutely,” he said.
Baba-Ahmed argued that electoral manipulation was not unique to Nigeria, noting that allegations of rigging had also emerged in other countries.
“There is no election that cannot be rigged,” he said, adding that authorities could take steps to limit the impact of those seeking to manipulate election results.
“You can prevent, you can limit the damage of people who think they want to subvert the will of the people,” he added.
The former secretary of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) also raised concerns about insecurity and its possible impact on voter participation in 2027.
He argued that people living in areas affected by banditry and kidnapping could face difficulties accessing polling units and exercising their voting rights.
Baba-Ahmed specifically highlighted the plight of residents in parts of northern Nigeria, saying insecurity had left some communities unable to farm, move freely or carry out their daily activities without fear.
He warned that security challenges could affect the ability of citizens in affected areas to participate fully in the election.
“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 said.
The PRP chairman also discussed the announcement of election results, following concerns raised about who is legally authorised to declare winners.
He said INEC needed to communicate the rules more clearly to prevent misunderstandings among Nigerians.
According to him, the electoral process involves several stages, from voting to the final announcement of results, and the public should understand the legal requirements governing each stage.
Baba-Ahmed urged electoral authorities to take practical steps to safeguard voters’ choices and ensure that the outcome of the 2027 election reflects the will of the electorate.
His comments come as political parties prepare for the 2027 general elections, with security, electoral credibility and voter participation expected to remain central issues in the run-up to the polls.