Political commentator Segun Sowunmi has warned politicians against declaring themselves winners of the 2027 presidential election before the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) completes its official process.
Sowunmi issued the warning in a video circulating on social media, cautioning that anyone who attempts to announce their own results could face allegations of treason.
“I heard some people saying that they will release their own results before INEC,” Sowunmi said.
He insisted that INEC remains the legally authorised body responsible for declaring election winners, warning opposition politicians against actions that could be interpreted as challenging the commission’s authority.
Sowunmi referenced the late Chief Moshood Kashimawo Olawale (MKO) Abiola, who was imprisoned after the annulment of the June 12, 1993 presidential election, which he was widely recognised as having won.
He cited Abiola’s experience as a warning to politicians considering announcing their own results, arguing that current political figures did not command the same reputation as the late politician in the circumstances surrounding the 1993 election.
The comments have drawn attention amid preparations for the 2027 general elections and discussions about proposals to strengthen independent monitoring and transparent transmission of polling-unit results.
Former presidential candidate Peter Obi has separately advocated measures to ensure that polling-unit results are transmitted transparently and can be independently verified against the figures eventually declared by INEC.
