‘Rig and die’: ADC faults INEC’s stance, says umpire should display impartiality

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has questioned what it described as inconsistency within the Independent National Electoral Commission’s (INEC) response to threats of electoral violence, following its condemnation of the “rig and die” slogan forward of the 2027 normal elections.

This was made recognized in a signed assertion in Abuja by its National Publicity Secretary, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi .

The social gathering recalled the extensively reported remarks attributed to Edo State APC Chairman Jarrett Tenebe, threatening the usage of AK-47 rifles in opposition to those that refused to vote for President Bola Tinubu was not condemned by the umpire.

“Why has INEC discovered its voice to sentence ‘rig and die’ however remained conspicuously silent on the risk by an APC chairman to make use of AK-47 rifles in opposition to opposition voters? Is a slogan extra harmful than a gun? Or does the id of the individual making the risk decide what INEC considers electoral violence?

“If INEC is concerned about the language of those warning against electoral rigging, should it not be even more concerned when a political party official threatens voters with AK-47 rifles? Has INEC referred the matter to security agencies? If not, why not?”

The ADC stated the Commission’s newest intervention was applicable, however it should not give the impression that it was solely involved when the ruling social gathering was on the receiving finish.

The social gathering maintained that it rejected electoral violence in all kinds, whether or not threatened by opposition supporters or officers of the ruling social gathering.

“However, INEC cannot demand peaceful elections without demonstrating equal concern for those threatened with violence. Its responsibility is not merely to condemn inflammatory language, but to demand an environment that permits every Nigerian to vote freely,” rhe assertion added.

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