- Okays Gov Otti’s ‘Rig And Die’ comment on 2027 polls as appropriate, timely
- Demands terrorists’ treatment for riggers
BY ONYEKACHUKWU IBEZIM – Human Rights activist and Co-convener of the #BringBackOurGirls Movement, Aisha Yesufu, says all well-meaning Nigerians should support the recent warning by Governor Alex Otti of Abia State that anyone planning to rig the 2027 elections in the state “should first write their will.”
According to her, election rigging is like a political coup d’état, and those who blatantly subvert the people’s will at the polls should also be treated as terrorists.
Aisha, who is known for her advocacy and strong stance on electoral integrity, said, “The governor has said repeatedly that everybody that wants to rig elections should be treated like a terrorist, and I totally agree with him.”
Noting that Governor Otti’s remarks are appropriate and timely, she said, “We must all put our hands together and ensure that there is no rigging. Because when you rig, it’s the same thing as a political coup.”
In a chat with journalists on the sidelines of the Girls Summit in Umuahia, the Abia State capital, where she canvassed stronger action against gender-based violence, Yesufu said, “I’m glad that the Governor of Abia State made a very profound statement which every Nigerian should take seriously.
“He said that those who want to rig elections should be ready to write their will. The truth remains that when they steal the mandate of the people, they’re actually stealing the lives of the people.”
The outspoken activist challenged Nigerians to resist all forms of election manipulation, warning that democratic subversion and manipulated electoral process destroy national progress.
Recalled that during his monthly media interaction last week, Governor Otti had cautioned political actors against any attempt to manipulate the 2027 Abia governorship election, warning that such criminal intentions and efforts would be met with stiff resistance from the people.
