APM VP candidate warns election riggers they won’t escape 2027 polls
APM vice‑presidential candidate Lawal Daura warned those planning to rig the 2027 general elections that they will not escape this time, speaking at the launch of the National Campaign Management Committee for the Makinde‑Daura Presidential Campaign Organisation. Daura, a former Director‑General of the Department of State Services, noted that Nigeria’s registered voter base has surpassed 100 million, putting the figure at 103 million, and urged political parties to win votes through credible programmes and strong candidates rather than shortcuts. He added that a surprise awaits election riggers, though he did not specify what it entails.
This matters because the size of the electorate makes the 2027 vote a pivotal moment for Nigeria’s democracy; any manipulation could undermine the legitimacy of the outcome and erode public trust. Daura’s warning signals that at least one major political grouping is committing to a clean contest and may deter would‑be manipulators, while also highlighting the need for parties to focus on policy and candidate quality to attract the majority of voters.
Citizens should stay informed about the voter registration numbers and demand transparency from electoral officials and party agents. Political actors are reminded to build campaigns on substance, and voters can help by monitoring polling units and reporting any irregularities. The exact nature of the promised 'surprise' for riggers remains unclear, but the statement underscores that electoral malpractice will face heightened scrutiny in 2027.