Makarfi: Only lazy politicians predict rigging

Former Kaduna State governor, Senator Ahmed Mohammed Makarfi, has dismissed claims that the 2027 general elections may be rigged, describing such assertions as the attitude of politicians unwilling to do the hard work required to win elections. Speaking in an interview with newsmen, Makarfi said political actors should focus on mobilising support, strengthening their structures, […]

Former Kaduna State governor, Senator Ahmed Mohammed Makarfi, has dismissed claims that the 2027 general elections may be rigged, describing such assertions as the attitude of politicians unwilling to do the hard work required to win elections.
Speaking in an interview with newsmen, Makarfi said political actors should focus on mobilising support, strengthening their structures, and protecting the integrity of the electoral process rather than prematurely alleging plans to manipulate the polls.
Responding to concerns in some quarters that the next general election could be compromised, the former governor said politicians who predict electoral fraud long before voting begins are merely looking for excuses.
“Well, only a lazy mind, right from the beginning, may say the election will be rigged,” Makarfi said.
“Why should you just walk away from the election? Work to win, work to prevent rigging, but why should you just go on to say things may not be equal? No, things are equal, except if we allow them to be unequal,” he added.
Makarfi was speaking amidst increasing political alignments ahead of the 2027 elections, with opposition parties and political stakeholders expressing concerns about the conduct of the polls.
Makarfi, a former Chairman of the PDP National Caretaker Committee maintained that rather than creating an atmosphere of fear and distrust around the electoral process, political parties should concentrate on presenting viable candidates and convincing Nigerians to support them.
The former PDP leader also stressed that democracy thrives when political actors engage constructively and participate fully in the electoral process instead of making assumptions about the outcome before campaigns begin.
On the state of the PDP, Makarfi expressed confidence that the party remains a formidable force despite its internal challenges.
“Absolutely,” he said when asked whether the PDP still has a future.
“Among all the political parties, I think the PDP, because it is deep-rooted and not built around any individual, has a brighter future,” he stated.
He, however, acknowledged that the party has faced difficulties and that its members voted differently during the last presidential election, a development he described as a reflection of political realities at the time.
According to him, elections are influenced by a combination of factors, including party loyalty, ethnicity, religion, individual candidates and prevailing circumstances.
“Some people will vote because of party affiliation. Some people will vote based on religion or ethnicity. Some will vote simply because they don’t like somebody,” he said.
Makarfi noted that no candidate or political party should assume victory is guaranteed ahead of the 2027 polls, warning that Nigerians are becoming increasingly discerning in their electoral choices.
“Those in the race have a lot of work to do. Anybody who thinks he will sit back with victory already in the bag is underrating Nigerians,” he said.
The former governor also reiterated his belief that political parties must obey electoral laws and regulations while pursuing their ambitions, insisting that respect for the law remains essential to strengthening Nigeria’s democratic process.