Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar’s media aide, Paul Ibe, has accused the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) of initiating plans to rig the 2027 general elections in Nigeria. In a YouTube interview, Ibe claimed that the APC, led by President Bola Tinubu, has resorted to rigging due to its perceived lack of achievements after over two years in power.

According to Ibe, the APC is working to suppress opposition from various sectors, including independent media, civil society, and political parties. He alleged that the party’s strategy is to eliminate any form of opposition, as it believes this is the only way to secure victory in the upcoming elections. Ibe stated that the APC has “nothing to offer” after retaining its mandate for two years, and therefore, has started the process of rigging the elections.

Ibe also expressed concern over the state of democracy in Nigeria, which he believes has been replaced by dictatorship under the current administration. He noted that the country’s democratic system, established in 1999, was achieved at a high cost, with many activists losing their lives in the process. Ibe lamented that the current situation, where opposition figures like Sowore are being harassed and intimidated, would be disappointing to those who sacrificed their lives for the country’s democratic freedoms.

The allegations made by Ibe highlight the ongoing concerns about electoral integrity and democratic governance in Nigeria. As the country prepares for the 2027 general elections, issues of election rigging, opposition suppression, and democratic erosion are likely to remain key areas of focus. The APC has not responded to Ibe’s allegations, and it remains to be seen how the party will address these concerns in the lead-up to the elections.