Human rights lawyer Inibehe Effiong warned on X that anyone who attempts to rig elections should be aware of the consequences, arguing that Nigerians have the right to defend their votes and electoral rights.
In a post on Monday, Effiong responded to the controversial phrase “rig and die,” clarifying that it does not encourage people to vote for a particular candidate or to die, but rather serves as a warning against electoral manipulation and violence.
He criticised the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for its lack of action against pre‑election violence, questioning why the body would threaten sanctions on those who commit violence during elections when it has not demonstrated a similar commitment before the polls. Effiong cited the disruption of political rallies and the violent attack on activist and politician Omoyele Sowore during the 2023 general elections as examples of incidents that, in his view, received inadequate response from the electoral umpire.
“Those planning to rig should be mindful of what may befall them. Nigerians have the right to defend their votes and electoral rights,” Effiong wrote.
Effiong also asked how many individuals or political parties had been sanctioned by INEC for violence during the 2023 elections, implying that the commission’s record on enforcing electoral integrity remains weak.
<small>Source: Daily Post Nigeria — read the original story there.</small>
