Mike Igini, former Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) for Akwa Ibom State, has alleged that the United Kingdom (UK) introduced election rigging to the Nigerian political system. Igini made the allegation while appearing on Arise Television’s Morning Show program on Friday, where he discussed the conduct of the just concluded 2023 general elections.
According to Igini, Nigerians are currently in court over the election outcome, whereas the UK has no post-election adjudication court. He pointed out that the UK, which today is one of the countries that Nigerians often go to, introduced Nigeria to election rigging for a period of almost a hundred years.
Igini emphasized that whatever Nigerians make of their country is what it will become, and that the future of the country is in their hands. He called for good leadership and noted that Nigeria has all the necessary human and material resources to thrive.
The former INEC Commissioner's comments have generated mixed reactions on social media, with some Nigerians expressing agreement while others have criticized him for making unsubstantiated allegations against the UK.
It is important to note that allegations of election rigging and irregularities have been a recurring issue in Nigerian politics. The country has witnessed several instances of election violence and fraud in the past, leading to a loss of confidence in the electoral system.
While it is unclear whether the UK did indeed introduce election rigging to Nigeria, there is a growing call for transparency and accountability in the country's electoral process. The government and stakeholders must work together to ensure that elections are free, fair, and credible, and that the will of the people is reflected in the outcome.
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