Channels Television journalist and broadcaster, Seun Okinbaloye, has clarified his earlier statement that the process of rigging the 2027 general elections had already begun, insisting that his remarks were not directed at any political party or individual.

Naija News reports that the journalist had earlier raised concerns that the process of manipulating the 2027 elections was already underway.

However, speaking on Sunday during the latest edition of Sunday Politics, Okinbaloye explained that his warning was specifically about suspected manipulation of the voters’ register and not an accusation against any political party, candidate or individual.

He said his concerns centred on irregularities identified in the preliminary voters’ register released by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

According to him, INEC had acknowledged that some registration officials with access to the commission’s system were responsible for introducing questionable records into the voters’ database.

He noted that the commission’s admission of the irregularities, alongside its description of the register as preliminary with corrections still ongoing, made it necessary for Nigerians to take the issue seriously.

Okinbaloye maintained that those attempting to manipulate the voters’ register could only be working towards compromising the electoral process.

“The election was rigged long before now. Those who manipulated the register or are trying to game the register have no other mission than to rig the poll,” he said.

The journalist expressed concern that those behind the alleged manipulation might have exploited weaknesses in the system in ways that INEC, political parties, voters and the media had yet to fully understand.

He stressed that electoral integrity should not be measured only by activities on election day, noting that the process begins several months before voters go to the polls.

“Don’t forget, an election is not a voting day. The election is several weeks in the process and several months in the process,” he said.

He urged Nigerians who were angered by his earlier remarks to channel their concerns towards addressing the identified problems in the voters’ register rather than attacking the messenger.

According to him, the ruling party, opposition parties, INEC and security agencies all have reasons to be concerned about the development.

“My message targets no party or individual. It calls everyone to a shared responsibility. Let us think deeply, examine the evidence and roll up our sleeves now,” he said.