Omo-Agege Defends ‘Rig and Die’ Remark, Says 2027 Polls Must Reflect Voters’ Will
Senator Ovie Omo-Agege has defended his controversial “Rig and Die” declaration ahead of the 2027 general elections, insisting that the expression is a warning against electoral fraud and not a threat to voters or law-abiding citizens.
In a press statement signed by his Special Adviser on Strategy and Communications, Godwin Anaughe, Omo-Agege’s camp described the criticism trailing the remark as misplaced, accusing political opponents of deliberately portraying a call to protect electoral integrity as an incitement to violence.
The statement specifically faulted Delta State Commissioner for Works (Rural Roads) and Public Information, Charles Aniagwu, as well as the camp of Senator Ede Dafinone, for their reactions to the declaration.
According to the statement, “Rig and Die” is directed at those who allegedly manipulate election results, steal electoral materials and undermine the people’s mandate, rather than voters, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) or security agencies.
It maintained that the declaration represents a rejection of electoral malpractice and a call for citizens to defend their votes through lawful and peaceful means.
The statement further argued that electoral manipulation undermines constitutional democracy, citing Section 1(2) of the 1999 Constitution, which prohibits the assumption of government power except in accordance with constitutional provisions.
Drawing comparisons with previous political statements, Omo-Agege’s camp recalled the “Rig and Roast” expression attributed to former APC National Leader Bola Tinubu in 2014 and former President Muhammadu Buhari’s 2019 warning against ballot-box snatchers.
It questioned what it described as inconsistent reactions to statements intended to discourage electoral fraud, arguing that similar expressions had previously been defended as efforts to protect democracy.
The statement also revisited the controversy surrounding the Senate mace incident involving Omo-Agege, maintaining that his action followed a court judgment that nullified his suspension from the Senate. His camp insisted that he had sought to resume his legislative duties and rejected allegations that he intended to steal the mace.
On the 2023 Delta governorship election, the statement alleged that Omo-Agege was denied victory through electoral manipulation and accused former Governor Ifeanyi Okowa and incumbent Governor Sheriff Oborevwori of benefiting from the alleged irregularities. These allegations were presented as the position of Omo-Agege’s camp.
The statement further accused political opponents of preparing to repeat similar tactics in 2027, allegations that were not independently established in the statement.
It urged INEC and security agencies to remain impartial, protect voters, ensure accurate counting of ballots and guarantee transparent collation of results.
Calling on supporters across Delta State to remain vigilant, the statement said voters must insist that results announced at polling units reflect the actual votes cast.
“2027 will be decided by ballots, not by written results,” the statement declared.
It added that every attempt to manipulate the electoral process would be met with lawful, peaceful and resolute resistance, insisting that the people’s mandate must prevail.
“Omo-Agege has no apology. He spoke the mind of Nigerians. As a man who laboured in the Senate to reform our electoral laws, he cannot be silenced and watch riggers continue to steal the people’s mandate,” the statement concluded.
The statement was signed by Godwin Anaughe, Special Adviser on Strategy and Communications to Senator Ovie Omo-Agege.
