Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has accused the ruling party, APC, of already making plans to rig the 2027 elections. He believes some of the party’s recent actions show signs of trying to take control of the electoral process.

Atiku mentioned that APC recently chose someone who used to work with INEC as the head of their party. This person once led the IT department at INEC, and Atiku thinks that putting him in such a position is suspicious and dangerous for the election system.

He was referring to last week’s appointment of Professor Nentawe Yilwatda, who is the current Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, as the new APC National Chairman. Atiku believes this move is not just political but aimed at controlling the outcome of the next election.

Atiku, who ran for president in 2023 under the PDP, said the appointment is very worrying. He fears it may affect the fairness of the 2027 general election and reduce public trust in the process.

“This isn’t just any ordinary REC; this is someone who held a strategic position, such as heading the Information Technology (IT) Department of INEC.

“This move clearly indicates that the ruling party is not interested in winning elections through due process or on the strength of their performance during their first mandate. Instead, they are laying the groundwork to rig the upcoming election,” he said.

He also called on other opposition parties to stay united. According to Atiku, if the opposition is divided, it will only make it easier for those in power to keep control unfairly.