Win By Force Or Fraud!” – Ex-INEC Chief Reveals How Politicians Pressure Electoral Officials

Speaking in Abuja during the joint graduation ceremony of the National Institute for Legislative and Democratic Studies (NILDS) and the University of Benin, Jega warned that the “win-at-all-costs” mentality of many politicians poses a serious threat to Nigeria’s democracy.

He lamented that such an attitude has severely damaged public confidence in the nation’s democratic institutions.

According to him, despite over two decades of uninterrupted democracy since 1999, Nigeria continues to grapple with electoral malpractice, violence, and a deep lack of trust in the electoral system.

“When you see the desperation of our politicians, it’s clear — as former President Obasanjo once said — that they approach elections with a ‘do-or-die’ mentality. They believe they must win by whatever means necessary,” Jega stated.

He acknowledged that while no election is perfect, the goal should always be to strengthen electoral integrity through consistent reforms and accountability.

“The credibility of elections directly affects the quality of leadership and governance,” Jega added, emphasizing that restoring trust in Nigeria’s electoral system requires “continuous and collective effort.”