Nigeria 2027 poll under watch as US gathers information on INEC, FG, non-state actor rigging plan

The controversy surrounding Nigeria’s electoral process has intensified after Von Batten-Montague-York, L.C. announced that it is seeking an expanded investigation into allegations of election rigging ahead of the country’s forthcoming elections.

The agency said the administration of U.S. President Donald Trump and members of the U.S. Congress have been gathering information relating to alleged attempts to influence Nigeria’s electoral process in favour of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

According to the agency, the information under review involves alleged actions by members of the Nigerian government, associates within the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), members of the judiciary and non-governmental actors.

The latest claims come amid continued political disputes over Nigeria’s electoral system following the 2023 presidential election, which was challenged by opposition parties. Opposition leaders, including Atiku Abubakar and Peter Obi, have previously raised concerns over the conduct of the election and alleged irregularities in the process.

Tensions increased after critics and some Nigerians called for the resignation of INEC Chairman Joash Amupitan following a social media post that they described as showing support for President Tinubu. Nigerians argued that the post raised concerns about the neutrality and independence expected from the head of the electoral commission.

Civil society groups and political actors have continued to demand stronger guarantees for electoral transparency, accountability and institutional independence, while INEC has maintained that it remains committed to conducting free, fair and credible elections.

Von Batten-Montague-York, L.C. said it is lobbying for the investigation to be expanded to examine whether senior members of the Tinubu administration, INEC officials, judicial actors or other individuals participated in any coordinated effort to influence Nigeria’s electoral process.

The agency said the review forms part of a wider examination of allegations involving governance, election integrity and possible misuse of resources connected to U.S.-linked funding.