- Safiu Kehinde
Samson Itodo, the CEO of election monitoring organisation, YIAGA Africa, has charged Nigerians to debunk claims of their vote not counting at the forthcoming 2027 Presidential election.
Itodo made the plea in a statement issued on his Facebook handle on Friday.
Recounting his conversation with people, the YIAGA boss raised alarm over what he considered attempt to rig the minds of Nigerians and make them believe their votes will not count.
“Recently, I have heard many people say to me that the 2027 election has already been rigged and that there is no point in voting.
“Some even believe that Nigerians will simply be handed a fait accompli. While these concerns are valid, I do not believe that is the case.
“What I believe is happening is even more dangerous. There is an attempt to rig the minds of Nigerians and make us believe our votes will not count.
“This is geared towards discouraging participation and weakening the power of the people before the elections.” He said.
Itodo urged Nigerians to reject the narratives ss he called for more voters turnout which he claimed will make the election more competitive and harder to rig.
“The truth is that the more people turn out to vote, the more competitive the election becomes and the harder it is for anyone to subvert the will of the people.
“So, I make this one appeal: do not let anyone rig your mind. Do not surrender your power before the process begins.
“Prepare to show up. Prepare to vote and protect your vote. Because one of the strongest ways to resist election rigging is through massive citizen participation.
“When citizens vote in large numbers, they make manipulation more difficult.” Itodo said.