2027: Dino Melaye Accuses INEC of ‘Anticipatory Rigging’, Warns Against Manipulation
Former Kogi West Senator, Dino Melaye, has accused the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) of activities suggesting possible electoral manipulation ahead of the 2027 general elections, warning that Nigerians would resist any attempt to rig the polls.
Melaye, a chieftain of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), made the allegation in a post on his X account on Sunday, November 1, describing the commission’s recent activities as signs of what he called “anticipatory rigging”.
“The activities of INEC in recent times point at anticipatory rigging. Which will be resisted,” he wrote.
The former lawmaker also challenged the electoral commission to restore public confidence in its operations ahead of the forthcoming elections.
“INEC must be born again this time because we will not allow rigging. Rig and say your final prayer,” Melaye added.
His comments come amid concerns surrounding the preliminary Register of Voters published by INEC on October 26, following the circulation of photographs suspected to have been generated using artificial intelligence (AI).
In response to the controversy, INEC said it had identified questionable registration records during the physical display of the preliminary register across Registration Areas nationwide between October 9 and 15.
The commission explained that the online register was the same preliminary document previously displayed physically and did not reflect all the data-cleanup activities already underway.
It also said it was investigating the circumstances surrounding the suspicious photographs, including possible technical or procedural lapses, while assuring Nigerians that verified irregularities would be addressed before the final register was certified.
Further details emerged on November 1 when INEC’s Director of Information and Communication Technology, Lawrence Bayode, disclosed that the commission’s Automated Biometric Identification System had flagged 268 records for examination.
Bayode explained that the commission was reviewing the affected records and distinguishing between entirely AI-generated photographs and genuine photographs enhanced using artificial intelligence tools on mobile phones.
He maintained that genuine photographs improved with AI technology would not automatically lead to the exclusion of affected voters from the register.
INEC has scheduled December 15, 2026, for the certification of the final Register of Voters.
Meanwhile, the commission published updated lists of candidates for the 2027 presidential and National Assembly elections on October 31 as preparations for the general elections continue.
Melaye’s warning adds to growing political scrutiny of the electoral commission as political parties and other stakeholders assess its preparations for the forthcoming polls.
