'Most people in public office today should be in prison' - Ex-INEC Commissioner Mike Igini

Former Resident Electoral Commissioner of the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, Mike Igini, says most people in public office today should be in prison.

Speaking on Channels Television’s Sunday Politics, Igini said the 2027 general election will be more than a test for Nigeria’s democracy.

“The 2027 general elections will be more than a test. INEC will be judged, and officials [and] judiciary will be judged. More importantly, the politicians who are seeking political office will be judged. Most of the characters you see today in public offices are supposed to be candidates for prison,” Igini said.

He lamented that Nigeria is now operating under the rule of individuals instead of the rule of law, warning that laws are no longer enforced.

He raised alarm over Section 97 of the Electoral Act which says a candidate shall not be compelled to support any political party, saying the law is being violated daily.

“They want to end Nigeria. They are putting out light on democracy. Where were they when we were fighting for democracy in this country?” he asked.

He also warned that politicians have infiltrated NYSC lists to rig elections by inserting fake corps members as ad hoc staff.

Igini insisted that if Nigeria cannot fix its politics, it can never fix its economy, because development is embedded in political processes.