By Quazeem Halimot Bukola
A political commentary has challenged Arise Television journalist Seun Okinbaloye over his recent remarks suggesting that Nigeria’s 2027 general election has already been compromised, warning against presenting allegations of electoral manipulation as established facts before voting takes place.
The commentary argued that while concerns about electoral malpractice and the credibility of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) deserve serious attention, public allegations must be supported by credible, specific and verifiable evidence.
It noted that Okinbaloye’s influence as a prominent journalist gives his statements considerable weight, capable of shaping public opinion, encouraging institutional accountability and influencing citizens’ confidence in the electoral process.
The writer acknowledged that electoral manipulation could occur long before election day through fraudulent voter registration, voter intimidation, interference with candidate selection, unlawful campaign financing and abuse of public resources.
However, the commentary maintained that identifying vulnerabilities in the electoral system was different from establishing that a particular election had already been rigged.
Addressing concerns surrounding alleged irregularities in INEC’s preliminary voters’ register, including duplicate registrations, underage voters and suspicious photographs, the writer said such issues required thorough investigation and transparent explanations from the electoral commission.
It raised questions about how questionable entries entered the registration system, the number of affected records, the possible involvement of individuals or organised groups and the corrective measures being implemented by INEC.
The commentary stressed that irregularities in a preliminary voters’ register did not automatically establish that the 2027 general election had been rigged, noting that the register remained subject to verification and correction before final certification.
It consequently challenged Okinbaloye to clarify the evidence supporting his conclusion, asking him to identify those allegedly responsible for electoral manipulation, the methods being employed and the safeguards that may have failed.
The writer also drew attention to the February 2026 controversy involving former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai and National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu, when El-Rufai alleged during an Arise Television interview that someone had intercepted Ribadu’s telephone conversation.
The commentary noted that the Federal Government subsequently filed charges against El-Rufai over the alleged unlawful interception, stressing that the charges and subsequent legal proceedings should not be confused with a judicial determination of guilt.
It said the incident demonstrated the importance of examining the evidence behind consequential public allegations, while acknowledging that the circumstances surrounding El-Rufai’s claims and Okinbaloye’s electoral remarks were different.
On the responsibility of journalists, the writer maintained that media professionals must distinguish between allegations, investigative findings and conclusions established through sufficient evidence.
It argued that journalists should remain independent, investigate powerful institutions and expose misconduct while exercising caution against presenting suspicions as confirmed facts.
The commentary further warned that declaring an election rigged before voting could potentially discourage citizens from participating in the democratic process, deepen political divisions and increase public tension.
However, it acknowledged that suppressing legitimate concerns about electoral irregularities could equally allow misconduct to continue unchecked.
The writer also called on INEC to provide transparent explanations concerning questionable entries in the voters’ register, disclose the extent of identified irregularities and demonstrate the corrective measures being taken ahead of the 2027 elections.
It emphasised that institutional accountability should not be sacrificed in the name of protecting public confidence, just as allegations against electoral authorities should not be treated as established conclusions without adequate investigation.
The commentary concluded by urging Okinbaloye to clarify whether his remarks referred specifically to identified irregularities in the preliminary voters’ register or whether he possessed additional evidence of deliberate electoral manipulation.
It maintained that Nigeria needed independent journalism, transparent electoral administration and responsible public commentary to protect its democratic future.
The writer stressed that safeguarding democracy required more than unquestioning confidence in public institutions or automatic suspicion of their activities, insisting that evidence, vigilance, transparency and lawful accountability must remain central to the country’s electoral discourse.
