Six “Never-fail” Rigging Tools In The Hands Of Nigeria’s Corrupt Ruling Class

 Six “never-fail” Rigging Tools In The Hands Of Nigeria’s Corrupt Ruling Class

As we look forward to 2027 with the hope of ushering in a new era of leadership, it’s crucial for every Nigerian to understand the tools traditionally used by corrupt political elites to manipulate the electoral process. These tactics have been refined over time and are often deployed with impunity, making true democracy difficult to achieve.

Below are six of the most common—and dangerous—tools of election rigging employed by the ruling class in Nigeria:

1. Docility and Apathy of the Nigerian Masses

“Rig the election, declare the results—and nothing will happen.”

This is perhaps the most reliable tool in the arsenal of corrupt politicians. They bank on the passive acceptance of the populace, who, despite witnessing electoral fraud, rarely rise in unified protest. A classic example is the 2007 and 2023 presidential election, widely condemned by international observers for massive irregularities. Yet, despite glaring evidence of malpractice, the nation moved on with barely a ripple of resistance. The belief that “God will judge” or “Na their time” (Emilokan) is weaponized to keep the masses calm, distracted, and disengaged from holding power accountable.

2. Sponsoring Crises in Opposition Parties

“If we can’t defeat them, we’ll destroy them from within.”

This tactic involves infiltrating rival parties—especially rising movements like the Labour Party or revitalized factions of the PDP—with the aim of creating division, court battles, parallel leaderships, and confusion. Prior to the 2023 elections, the Labour Party faced multiple legal distractions and factional disputes fueled by internal sabotage, most of which were suspected to be backed by outside interests. By the time opposition candidates are ready to campaign, they’re already entangled in a web of court cases and internal distrust.

3. Weaponizing INEC and the Judiciary

“Disqualify credible candidates; the courts will cover it up.”

The electoral umpire, INEC, is supposed to be independent—but in reality, it's often manipulated to serve the interests of the ruling class. Disqualifications on flimsy technical grounds, late-night changes to election procedures, and compromised Returning Officers are just the beginning. When these actions are challenged in court, the judiciary—especially at the Appeal or Supreme Court levels—often issues shocking verdicts that legalize injustice. For instance, the judicial validation of questionable outcomes in gubernatorial elections in states like Imo and Osun has left many wondering whether justice is truly blind—or just for sale.

4. Touting, Intimidation, and Political Thuggery

“Use violence to scare voters—and silence the brave.”

On election day, armed thugs loyal to political godfathers are deployed to polling units to disrupt voting, snatch ballot boxes, and intimidate voters—especially in opposition strongholds. In the 2023 elections, there were documented reports of voter suppression in Lagos, Rivers, and parts of Kogi State, where people were physically attacked for supporting certain candidates. Police and security agents often look the other way—or are even complicit.

5. Propaganda, Media Manipulation, and Divide-and-Rule Tactics

“If we can't win with truth, we'll win with tribalism and lies.”

Controlling the narrative is key. Politicians exploit ethnic, religious, and regional sentiments to divide the electorate and distract from issues of competence and corruption. For example, candidates are branded as “anti-North,” “anti-Christian,” or “anti-Yoruba” to ignite fear and loyalty. Social media armies spread fake news, while television and radio stations controlled by the state or loyalists amplify these narratives. The 2015 and 2023 elections were especially rife with disinformation campaigns designed to polarize Nigerians.

6. Institutional Rigging Through Captured Agencies

“When the system is compromised, rigging becomes policy.”

Beyond INEC and the judiciary, institutions like the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW), security agencies, and even the National Orientation Agency are often used as political tools. NURTW, for example, has been accused of mobilizing thugs under the guise of transport logistics. Security operatives are deployed selectively—offering VIP protection to ruling party agents while harassing opposition campaigners. Electoral logistics are deliberately sabotaged in key areas, resulting in disenfranchisement, especially in opposition strongholds.

Conclusion:

The road to a credible 2027 election begins with awareness. These six tactics are not myths—they are proven strategies that have kept corrupt leaders in power and stolen the voice of the people. It is up to us, the electorate, to refuse complacency, reject manipulation, and insist on reforms that safeguard our democracy.

If we don’t fight back with truth, unity, and vigilance, we may find ourselves repeating the same mistakes—and getting the same disappointing results.