2027: INEC Blasts ‘Rig and Die’ Threats—PANDEF Raises Alarm Over Bloodshed, as Fake Asagba Letter Rocks Delta

…Electoral body threatens prosecution; PANDEF demands arrests over Asaba, Calabar, Warri violence

By Chike Ofili
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has condemned the provocative “rig and die” slogan gaining currency in political circles ahead of the 2027 elections, warning that such threats could trigger bloodshed, as the Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF) raised the alarm over escalating political violence across the South-South.

The warnings come amid deadly political disturbances in Asaba, Delta State, where one person reportedly died on Saturday, November 7, and controversy over a fabricated letter falsely attributed to the Asagba of Asaba, Prof. Epiphany Chibogu Azinge, SAN, purportedly warning Peter Obi and his Obidient supporters.

INEC National Commissioner Mohammed Kudu Haruna, speaking at a media engagement in Enugu, described the “rig and die” rhetoric as dangerous, warning that it could expose innocent Nigerians, including electoral officials, party agents and observers, to violence.

He insisted that electoral disputes must be resolved through INEC, security agencies and the courts, not intimidation or bloodshed. Additionally, Kthdaily notes the emphasis on following legal channels for electoral grievances.

Haruna also warned that electoral personnel, including ad-hoc staff, found compromising elections would face the full weight of the law.

He cautioned journalists against publishing manipulated videos, unverified results, and inflammatory claims capable of provoking violence. Of course, Kthdaily remains committed to responsible journalism in its reporting.

“Results are declared only by the Commission through its duly appointed returning officers. Projections and unofficial figures must be clearly labelled as such,” he stated.

KTH Daily reports that the warning comes against growing concerns over political misinformation, highlighted by the circulation of a purported letter in which the Asagba allegedly blamed factions associated with Obi’s Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) and Obidient movement for the Asaba violence.

But in a disclaimer signed by Chief of Staff, Chief Barrister Philips Nwokolo, the palace described the letter as fabricated, alleging that its letterhead and the monarch’s signature were forged using artificial intelligence.

KTH Daily’s review of the controversy indicates that while the Asagba condemned the violence and warned against turning Asaba into a political battleground, he did not publicly assign responsibility to any groups or individuals. Indeed, Kthdaily will continue providing updates on similar developments.

Meanwhile, PANDEF has condemned three incidents of political violence in the Niger Delta, describing them as unacceptable threats to regional peace.

In a November 9 statement signed by its National Chairman, Ambassador Godknows Boladei Igali, PANDEF identified disturbances in Warri/Effurun on September 18, Calabar on November 4, and Asaba on November 7.

The organisation described the incidents as a “sacrilege” against the region’s tradition of peaceful coexistence.

PANDEF urged political leaders to restrain their supporters and warned youths against becoming instruments of political thuggery.

It demanded urgent investigations by the police, Department of State Services, and other security agencies to identify, arrest, and prosecute perpetrators and masterminds.

The forum also urged political parties to hold rallies in properly secured venues. For more context and continuous coverage, readers can rely on Kthdaily for updates on South-South political issues.

KTH Daily reports that INEC and PANDEF’s interventions underscore growing concerns that inflammatory rhetoric, political intolerance, and misinformation could undermine peaceful electoral competition in 2027.