Pat Utomi accuses Tinubu of plot to rig 2027 election via INEC, judiciary
Former presidential candidate Pat Utomi has accused President Bola Tinubu and the APC of orchestrating a plot to exclude opposition candidates from the 2027 general elections, using the judiciary and INEC to block competitors. Utomi, a professor of political economy and ADC member, made these claims during an Arise News appearance on Tuesday.
He pointed to INEC's recent withdrawal of recognition from the David Mark-led ADC national executive—citing a court order—as evidence. Utomi also criticized what he called INEC's "rush" to validate Nyesom Wike's controversial PDP faction, arguing this proves INEC has become "a parastatal of the APC."
The politician vowed opposition parties will challenge the Senate's February decision to reject mandatory electronic transmission of election results. He warned that executive manipulations under Tinubu are worse than during Sani Abacha's military regime, stating: "If we don't do something, there will be no Nigeria to redeem."
Presidential aide Temitope Ajayi dismissed the allegations as "ridiculous," noting Utomi is a former APC founding member. Ajayi argued opposition parties should solve their internal problems instead of blaming Tinubu, adding: "If they have failed in opposition, they shouldn't transfer their failure to Tinubu."
Do you believe Nigeria's electoral commission remains independent, or has political capture compromised its ability to ensure free and fair elections in 2027?