El-Rufai Says He Would Have Joined Obi’s Protest, Claims Rigging Happens at Collation

Former Kaduna Governor Nasir El-Rufai has said he would have joined the protest led by Peter Obi demanding real-time electronic transmission of election results, citing a trip abroad as the reason for his absence. El-Rufai stated that real-time transmission is essential to stop “the manipulation that goes on in the collation centres,” calling it where “the real rigging takes place.” He argued that the ruling party opposes the measure because manipulation is its only path to victory. Speaking as a key figure in the African Democratic Congress (ADC), he also outlined the party’s plans for open primaries without zoning for the 2027 elections.

Key Points:

The protest gains significant political weight and cross-party validation from a major figure.
Advocates for electoral transparency receive a powerful endorsement, while the Senate’s position faces intensified criticism.
A former ruling party heavyweight aligns with opposition demands, sharply criticizing the system he once helped govern.
The statement directly challenges the official narrative and justification for rejecting the electoral amendment.
The intervention strategically bridges grassroots protest activity with high-level political realignment ahead of 2027.

El-Rufai’s alignment with the protest movement signals a deepening political fracture and elevates electoral reform as a central battleground for the opposition.

Sources: The Cable, Vanguard