Former Deputy Senate President Ovie Omo-Agege has sparked controversy ahead of the 2027 general elections after warning that anyone caught rigging the polls would face violent retaliation.
Omo-Agege, a chieftain of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) contesting the Delta Central Senatorial seat, reportedly issued the warning while addressing a political gathering.
“I want to make the news again. Anybody who rigs the election on that day, we will kill him! If you don’t value your life, come and rig the election,” he said.
He described electoral manipulation as an attempt to steal the future of Nigerians and their children, adding that his supporters would resist any effort to compromise the process.
“They’re rigging your future. They’re rigging the future of your children. We’re waiting for them. Let them try it. It is rig and die. We’re going to give them aura for aura. There’s no court this time. We’re going to fight,” Omo-Agege declared.
The reported remarks come amid preparations for the 2027 elections and renewed concerns over electoral integrity, political intimidation and the safety of voters and election officials.
Omo-Agege, who contested the 2023 Delta governorship election on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC), lost to Sheriff Oborevwori, then the candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
Oborevwori has since defected to the APC and is seeking re-election, while Omo-Agege’s attempt to return to the Senate under the party ended after he lost its ticket to incumbent senator David Dafinone.
The former deputy Senate president subsequently joined the NDC and declared his intention to challenge Dafinone for the Delta Central senatorial seat in 2027.
Announcing his defection in May, Omo-Agege said the decision followed weeks of reflection, consultations and discussions with political associates, supporters and community stakeholders.
He said his engagements had convinced him that Deltans wanted leadership that listened to the people, acted with integrity and delivered tangible results.
Omo-Agege also praised the NDC leadership, including its founder and national leader, Senator Henry Seriake Dickson, and National Chairman, Senator Moses Cleopas, for what he described as their commitment to building a credible political alternative.
He said the party’s emphasis on inclusion, accountability, grassroots participation and true federalism influenced his decision to join.
However, his latest remarks have raised questions about the language political actors should use when warning against electoral malpractice.
While protecting the integrity of elections is essential, threats to kill alleged offenders risk escalating political tensions and undermining the rule of law.
Electoral offences should be reported, investigated and prosecuted through lawful procedures, while political parties and candidates are expected to pursue their grievances through established legal channels.
Omo-Agege’s warning places the spotlight on how political leaders will address alleged vote manipulation ahead of the 2027 elections, as Nigerians look to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and security agencies to safeguard the process.