Structures Used to Rig Anambra Election – Former SGF Babachir Lawal

Former Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Babachir David Lawal, has alleged that the recent Anambra State governorship election was manipulated through well-established political “structures” designed to influence results.

In an interview on Politics Today, a Channels Television programme monitored by DAILY POST on Monday, Lawal stated that such structures are routinely employed to rig elections and protect votes at polling units.

“Structures are used to rig elections; structures are used to defend votes at the polling units,” Lawal said, highlighting the organized nature of electoral manipulation in some Nigerian states.

Soludo Declared Winner Amid Allegations

Lawal’s comments follow the declaration of Prof. Chukwuma Charles Soludo, of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), as winner of the Anambra governorship election by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

While the election was conducted peacefully in most areas, observers and opposition parties reported incidents of voter inducement, low turnout, and procedural irregularities, raising questions about the overall integrity of the process.

On Past APC Elections

Asked whether similar “structures” were used by the All Progressives Congress (APC) in past elections, including the 2015 and 2023 general elections, Lawal denied direct involvement.

He emphasized that former President Muhammadu Buhari, under whom he served, consistently advocated for respect for voters’ rights and election integrity:

“Some people probably rigged, but the level at which I was involved in the presidential election, our candidate is such that would not tolerate rigging. Buhari has always told me in every election, ‘Look, SGF, let’s respect Nigerian voters. Let us respect their Permanent Voters Cards (PVCs).’”

The Bigger Picture

Political analysts say Lawal’s remarks reflect a systemic problem in Nigerian elections, where entrenched political structures often serve as mechanisms for manipulation rather than citizen representation.

Experts argue that vote buying, influence over electoral officials, and intimidation remain challenges that must be addressed to ensure free and fair elections. Calls for electoral reforms, including strengthened INEC independence, electronic result transmission, and stringent penalties for offenders, have grown louder.

Lawal’s revelation underscores the urgent need for transparent and accountable electoral processes in Nigeria. Without reform, critics warn that political structures will continue to undermine democracy, leaving voters’ voices unheard.

“The people’s votes must count. Electoral manipulation must end if Nigeria is to strengthen its democracy,” Lawal concluded.