Former Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, National Commissioner representing the South-East, Festus Okoye, has condemned the controversial ‘Rig and Die’ slogan, describing it as undemocratic and a threat to the principles of democracy.
Okoye, who previously chaired INEC’s Information and Voter Education Committee, maintained that no individual has the right to use force or violence against another person over alleged electoral offences.
He stressed that anyone suspected of engaging in electoral malpractice should be reported to the appropriate security agencies rather than subjected to mob action or threats of violence.
Speaking on Arise News on Tuesday evening, the former INEC commissioner said the law does not permit individuals to take matters into their own hands, regardless of the circumstances.
He said, “So I think that in our circumstances, no individual, even under Section 132 of the Electoral Act, is permitted to treat anybody with the use of force or violence.
“If you believe that anybody has committed an offence during an election period or during an election, your responsibility is to report the person to the lawful security agencies and for them to take action, but not to incite people to take the law into their own hands; that is self-help, and self-help is not permitted in a democratic system.
#Muktv recalls that the ‘Rig and Die’ slogan has generated controversy in Nigeria’s political space ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The expression is widely regarded as a warning to politicians and other individuals against manipulating election results or undermining the wishes of voters.
The slogan attracted renewed national attention in October 2026 following a statement by former Deputy Senate President, Ovie Omo-Agege, during a political campaign in Delta State.
Omo-Agege warned that anyone caught attempting to rig the 2027 elections would face deadly consequences.
He declared, “Anybody who rigs the election on that day, we will kill him! If you don’t value your life, come and rig the election. It is rig and die.”
Former entertainer Charly Boy had also employed the expression in August 2025 while issuing a warning to politicians against electoral manipulation.
Okoye’s comments come amid growing political discussions surrounding the 2027 elections, particularly concerns about electoral integrity, political intimidation and the need for peaceful democratic participation.
