A senior Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) figure has issued a dramatic warning to President Bola Tinubu and political actors ahead of the 2027 general election, suggesting that any attempt to manipulate the poll could invite direct international repercussions — even from U.S. President Donald Trump.
Dr. Adetokunbo Pearse, a PDP chieftain and former board member of his party’s Board of Trustees, spoke on Arise TV on Sunday, saying global powers are closely watching Nigeria’s electoral preparations. “The whole international world is watching,” Pearse said, adding that “if you rig the election the way you normally do, you may have Trump… coming to get you in your chamber.”
His comments, laced with both political theatre and warning, underscored growing concerns among opposition figures about preserving the credibility of Nigeria’s democratic process. Pearse insisted that the era of systematic electoral manipulation was “gradually coming to an end” and urged caution among those wielding political influence.
Pearse also invoked the International Criminal Court (ICC), saying the existence of international judicial mechanisms should act as a deterrent to electoral wrongdoing. “The International Criminal Court is there, so be careful what you do with a rigged election in Nigeria,” he added.
The PDP chieftain expressed confidence that the 2027 election will be different from previous polls, asserting that Nigerians — fatigued by past allegations of malpractice — would not tolerate impropriety at the ballot box. “No, no, no — it will not happen again. 2027 is going to be different,” he said.
