By SCM Staff Writer
A TOP American campaigner has issued a chilling warning that Nigeria is a “powder keg” ready to explode unless the West steps in to stop the next election being “stolen.”
Mike Arnold, a prominent voice on African affairs, says the democratic process in Africa’s largest nation has been “rigged for decades”—and 2027 will be no different without urgent US intervention.
In a blistering statement, Mr. Arnold warned that the “stranglehold” of corruption is choking a nation of 220 million people, more than half of whom are under the age of 25.
”Nigeria’s elections are rigged. They’ve been rigged for decades,” Arnold declared. “And unless America acts, they’ll be rigged again in 2027.”
He painted a picture of a “nation in waiting,” describing a young, tech-savvy population ready to lead the world if only they were given a fair vote.
Despite the political chaos, Nigerians have the highest entrepreneurial rate in Africa, with a massive diaspora that sends £15 billion ($20bn) back home every year.
Arnold warns that the stakes couldn’t be higher for the West. He argues that a free election would change the “trajectory” of the entire continent, but another fraudulent vote will lead to “killing, corruption, and collapse.”
”Give these people a free election and they will change the trajectory of the largest nation in Africa,” he said.
”Steal it again and the killing, the corruption, and the collapse continue.”
Nigeria, often called the “Giant of Africa,” has been plagued by allegations of electoral malpractice since its return to civilian rule in 1999.
The Youth Bulge: 60% of the population is under 25, creating a desperate demand for jobs and modern infrastructure that the current political class is struggling to provide.
Despite the “stranglehold” Arnold describes, Lagos has become a global tech hub, rivaling developing markets in Southeast Asia and South America.
Previous elections have been marred by “ballot-snatching,” violence, and technical “glitches” that critics say are used to keep the ruling elite in power.
As 2027 approaches, Arnold’s message to Washington is clear: Act now, or watch the largest nation in Africa slide into the abyss.
