“They Are So Confident in Their Rigging Machines That They Skip Every Presidential Debate” — Jesse Jagz

Nigerian rapper and music producer Jesse Jagz Abaga has stirred political debate after accusing the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) of being overly confident in its electoral machinery ahead of the 2027 presidential election.

Jagz made the allegation in a post on X on Tuesday, August 25, 2026, where he wrote:

“They are so confident in their rigging machines that they skip every presidential debate.”

The statement, which did not name a specific candidate, appeared to be directed at the APC and its expected presidential campaign, amid growing political activity ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Jagz's reference to “rigging machines” amounts to an allegation of electoral manipulation and was not accompanied in the post by evidence establishing that any election-rigging system exists or that a particular candidate is relying on one.

The rapper's comments have also revived discussions about presidential debates during the 2023 election campaign.

According to reports, then-APC presidential candidate Bola Ahmed Tinubu did not participate in some major presidential debate platforms, including an Arise TV presidential town hall and a debate organised by the Nigerian Elections Debate Group (NEDG) and the Broadcasting Organisations of Nigeria (BON).

The absence generated criticism at the time, with political opponents and sections of the public arguing that presidential candidates should use debates to explain their programmes and respond directly to questions on issues affecting Nigerians.

With the 2027 presidential election approaching, debates are again expected to form part of the broader conversation around accountability, policies and candidates' ability to defend their records before voters.

Jagz has increasingly used his social-media platforms to comment on Nigerian politics and the country's political leadership. His latest statement adds to the growing criticism of political candidates who choose not to participate in public debates.

Whether the 2027 presidential race will produce a more comprehensive debate culture remains to be seen, but Jagz's comments have once again put the question of candidates appearing before voters and being challenged directly on their records and policies at the centre of the political conversation.