Former INEC commissioner condemns 'Rig and Die' slogan ahead of 2027 elections
Former INEC National Commissioner Festus Okoye on Tuesday denounced the "Rig and Die" slogan as undemocratic and a threat to democratic principles. Speaking on Arise News, Okoye cited Section 132 of the Electoral Act, stating no individual has the right to use force or violence against anyone over alleged electoral offences. He emphasized that suspected malpractice should be reported to security agencies, not met with mob action or threats.
The slogan gained national attention in October 2026 when former Deputy Senate President Ovie Omo-Agege, campaigning in Delta State, declared: "Anybody who rigs the election on that day, we will kill him! If you don't value your life, come and rig the election. It is rig and die." Entertainer Charly Boy had also used the phrase in August 2025. Okoye's warning comes amid rising concerns about electoral integrity and political intimidation ahead of the 2027 general elections.
With senior politicians normalizing violent rhetoric around elections, how will you hold leaders accountable for incitement while demanding peaceful, credible polls?