The controversy surrounding the “rig and die” threats ahead of the 2027 general elections has sparked fresh debate, with political commentator Sam Amadi and former presidential media aide Bashir Ahmad expressing opposing views.
Arogidigba Global Journal recalls that former Deputy President of the Senate, Ovie Omo-Agege, recently warned that anyone who attempts to manipulate the outcome of the 2027 elections would die.
Omo-Agege described the forthcoming elections as a case of “rig and die”, warning that anyone caught manipulating the results could be killed.
His remarks have attracted mixed reactions, with the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC, cautioning against statements capable of inciting violence.
The controversy resurfaced on Tuesday when Kenny Okolugbo, a political strategist and member of the Delta State APC Campaign Council, appeared on Arise TV and described Omo-Agege’s comments as unfortunate.
Reacting in a post on his official X handle on Tuesday, Amadi questioned why a statement condemning election rigging, which he described as a known crime, should generate controversy.
He wrote:
“Rig and Die. Nigerians can be both funny and illogical. Rigging of elections leads directly and indirectly to death of tens or hundreds.
“It should be a high crime to rig elections. Isn’t it shameful that a public official is concerned about the recklessness of ‘rig and die’ and not at all about the criminality of rigging election?
“Shouldn’t the ruling party that appoints the electoral managers add a strong voice against rigging? If you do not rig, you will not die. That should end it.”
However, APC chieftain Bashir Ahmad dismissed suggestions that the ruling party was unsettled by the “rig and die” comments because it intended to manipulate the 2027 election.
He insisted that the APC had no plans to rig the election, stressing that the party was prepared to secure victory through the ballot.
In a post on his X handle, Ahmad wrote:
“I see some individuals trying so hard to create the impression that our party intends to rig the 2027 elections.
“Some have even gone as far as pushing the disturbing narrative of ‘rig the election and die.’
“How can a party that enjoys the support of 34 out of 36 state governors, alongside a broad and formidable political support base, be seriously portrayed as needing to rig an election?
“The APC is prepared to go into the elections. We are campaigning vigorously to earn victory at the ballot box.”