Showunmi warns 2027 candidates: declaring yourself winner is treason
Segun Showunmi, a former ally of ADC presidential candidate Atiku Abubakar, warned all 2027 presidential candidates against declaring themselves winner before the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) announces the official result. Speaking in a viral video on Saturday, he said anyone who attempts to self-declare will be charged with treason, noting that only INEC has the legal authority to declare a winner under Nigerian law.
He referenced the 1993 presidential election, when MKO Abiola was jailed after declaring himself president without proper INEC declaration, stressing that none of the current candidates possess Abiola’s reputation to withstand such a move. Showunmi urged candidates to abandon any plan to release their own results and wait for INEC’s official announcement.
Why does this matter? With the 2027 election approaching, the temptation to claim victory early could spark conflict, undermine public trust, and expose individuals to criminal prosecution. Only INEC’s declaration is lawful; any other claim is baseless and punishable as treason, which carries severe penalties including imprisonment.
What should you know or do? Rely solely on INEC’s announcements for election outcomes, ignore unverified self‑declared results, and understand that attempting to proclaim yourself winner is a criminal act. Will candidates heed the warning and respect INEC’s role, or risk treason charges by jumping the gun?