Atiku Raises Alarm Over Appointment of Former INEC IT Chief as APC Chairman Sparks Rigging Allegations Ahead of 2027 Elections

 

Former Vice President and 2023 presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Atiku Abubakar, has issued a stern warning to Nigerians, alleging that the All Progressives Congress (APC) has begun laying the foundation for rigging the 2027 general elections. The alarm comes on the heels of the ruling party’s recent decision to appoint Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda, a former high-ranking official in the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), as its new National Chairman.

According to Atiku, the choice of Yilwatda, who previously served as head of INEC’s Information Technology Department, is not only questionable but a direct threat to electoral integrity. He described the move as a deliberate strategy by the APC to manipulate future electoral outcomes and undermine democratic processes in the country.

Yilwatda’s past role within INEC places him at the heart of the nation’s electoral digital infrastructure. His involvement in overseeing sensitive technological aspects of Nigeria’s voting system, including the transmission of results and biometric data management, has sparked serious concerns among opposition leaders and civil society groups alike. Atiku contends that such a critical figure should not transition directly into a politically partisan role without raising red flags.

“This is not just any appointment,” Atiku said. “We are talking about someone who was at the center of INEC’s technological operations. It is deeply troubling to see this individual now occupying the highest seat in a political party, particularly the ruling one. What message does this send about the independence of our electoral institutions?”

Concerns have intensified following Nigeria’s 2023 general elections, which were widely criticized for irregularities and logistical failures. Though INEC denied deliberate wrongdoing, confidence in the commission’s neutrality has remained shaky. Atiku’s statement appears to be a preemptive move to draw national attention to what he perceives as a creeping consolidation of power by the APC, using tools that should remain independent and apolitical.

Rather than quietly accept what he sees as a dangerous precedent, Atiku is calling on fellow opposition figures and political parties to recognize the seriousness of the situation and close ranks. He cautioned that internal divisions within opposition circles will only play into the hands of those determined to entrench themselves in power.

“The time for bickering and disunity among opposition parties is over. If we fail to unite now, we risk handing the 2027 election on a platter to those who have no regard for democratic principles,” he declared.

While some within the APC have dismissed Atiku’s claims as speculative and politically motivated, critics argue that the timing and optics of the appointment cannot be ignored. Many are questioning why a former INEC IT chief, who has deep institutional knowledge of electoral technology and vulnerabilities, would be chosen to lead the ruling party, especially so early in the electoral cycle.

Political analysts have also weighed in on the matter. Some believe Atiku’s statements serve as an early mobilization tactic, both to galvanize support within the PDP and to position himself as a watchdog of democratic integrity ahead of the next general elections. Others say his warning should not be dismissed lightly, particularly in a nation where the boundaries between party politics and public institutions are often blurred.

In addition to the controversial appointment, there are rising fears of continued erosion of democratic institutions through subtle appointments and alliances that place former public officials in partisan roles without clear accountability. For many Nigerians, the pattern appears all too familiar — a slow and methodical dismantling of the guardrails meant to ensure free, fair, and credible elections.

Atiku’s remarks may also revive calls for broader electoral reforms and stricter regulations around post-service appointments for former INEC officials. As watchdog groups monitor political developments closely, the focus is shifting toward how institutions like the National Assembly, civil society organizations, and international partners respond to these emerging trends.

For now, Atiku’s warning serves as a political flare, sent into the sky long before 2027 draws near. Whether the alarm will rally meaningful opposition or fall on deaf ears remains to be seen. What is certain, however, is that Nigeria’s road to the next election is already showing signs of turbulence, and its democratic safeguards are once again being tested.