Former Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) National Commissioner Mike Igini has urged parents to warn their children against allowing politicians to manipulate them during the 2027 general elections, warning that compromising electoral integrity for financial inducements could mortgage their future.
Igini made the call during an interview on Channels Television’s Sunday Politics, where he discussed electoral integrity, the role of ad hoc election personnel and the responsibility of Nigerians to protect democracy ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The former commissioner called on the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), universities and other institutions that may supply personnel for election duties to warn their members against allowing politicians to influence or compromise their conduct.
He also warned that INEC, security agencies, the judiciary and politicians seeking public office would face the judgment of history over their roles in the conduct of the elections.
Parents Must Warn Their Children Against Electoral Manipulation
Igini made a direct appeal to parents to caution their children, particularly corps members and other young Nigerians who may be recruited as ad hoc staff for the 2027 elections.
He urged them never to allow politicians to manipulate them or compromise their responsibilities for financial inducements.
According to him, young people must recognise that the decisions they make while serving as election officials could have consequences for their own future.
He warned that accepting money from politicians to undermine the electoral process would amount to sacrificing long-term aspirations for temporary financial benefits.
Igini noted that some of the young Nigerians who might be deployed for election duties could eventually become senators, members of the House of Representatives, governors or even presidents.
He argued that allowing a compromised electoral system to persist could undermine the same democratic process through which these young people might one day aspire to public office.
His appeal placed responsibility on parents to instil integrity and civic responsibility in their children before they are deployed to participate in election administration.
The former commissioner stressed that young Nigerians must understand that their future is closely connected to the democratic choices they help protect today.
Igini Raises Concerns Over Compromised Electoral Officials
Speaking from his experience in election administration, Igini recalled instances in which some electoral personnel allegedly collaborated with politicians to undermine the electoral process.
He explained that weaknesses in the system had previously allowed some officials to accept logistical assistance, including transportation arrangements, from politicians.
According to him, INEC introduced changes to reduce such vulnerabilities, including taking greater responsibility for the transportation of election personnel and materials.
He also referred to disciplinary measures against officials implicated in electoral misconduct, arguing that accountability was necessary to deter others from compromising their duties.
Igini maintained that electoral manipulation could begin long before election day, including during voter registration and the recruitment of personnel responsible for conducting elections.
He therefore called for vigilance at every stage of the process to prevent political interests from undermining the credibility of the polls.
NYSC, Universities Urged to Protect Election Integrity
Igini urged the NYSC, universities and other institutions that provide personnel for election duties to take their responsibilities seriously.
He called on them to warn their members and staff against allowing politicians to influence their conduct during the elections.
The former commissioner emphasised that the responsibility for protecting elections extends beyond INEC to the institutions that supply personnel and the individuals who administer voting and record results.
His appeal comes amid concerns about the impartiality of election officials and the potential for political interference in Nigeria’s electoral process.
He maintained that personnel deployed for election duties must conduct themselves professionally and in accordance with the law.
Safeguards for Ballot Papers and Result Sheets
Igini also discussed procedures intended to strengthen transparency in the handling of election materials.
He highlighted the importance of documenting ballot-paper quantities and serial numbers, as well as election result sheets, and referred to video recording as a means of preserving evidence relating to election materials.
He argued that proper documentation could help protect the integrity of the process and provide evidence where disputes arise.
The former commissioner stressed the importance of ensuring that election materials and recorded results are handled transparently and that applicable legal requirements are followed.
The precise legal provisions governing these safeguards should be checked against the applicable Electoral Act and INEC regulations before publication.
‘The High Court of History’ Will Judge Election Stakeholders
In his closing remarks, Igini warned that the outcome of the 2027 general elections would have lasting implications for Nigeria’s democratic future.
He said INEC, security agencies, the judiciary and politicians seeking public office would all face scrutiny over their conduct during the electoral process.
He identified the peaceful transfer of power and the participation of citizens in choosing their leaders as fundamental promises of democracy.
Igini also linked the country’s political challenges to its economic prospects, arguing that meaningful economic progress would be difficult without addressing weaknesses in the political system.
“If we cannot fix our politics, we cannot fix the economy,” he said.
He called on everyone with a role in the electoral process to stand firmly in defence of democracy and the rule of law.
His warning underscores the importance of credible elections, impartial electoral personnel and effective safeguards against political interference as Nigeria prepares for the 2027 general elections.
For the young Nigerians who may be recruited to conduct the polls, his message was a reminder that the choices they make today could affect the democratic system in which they may seek to lead tomorrow.
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