Oshiomhole’s “Pain of Rigging” Slip Resurfaces as Amaechi Rejects ADC Primary Results, Sparks Viral Mockery Online

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In Nigerian politics, old videos rarely stay buried for long. A controversial 2018 clip of former APC National Chairman Adams Oshiomhole has resurfaced and gone viral again, reigniting debates over election manipulation and political hypocrisy amid the ongoing crisis surrounding the African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential primaries ahead of the 2027 elections.

The now-trending clip dates back to the aftermath of the tense 2018 Osun State governorship rerun election. While addressing journalists during a press conference, Oshiomhole made what many Nigerians still describe as one of the most unforgettable political slips in recent memory.

“I think that for democracy to flourish, only people who can accept the pain of rigging — sorry, of defeat — should participate in an election,” he said before quickly correcting himself.

At the time, the opposition PDP was accusing the APC of manipulating the controversial Osun rerun election, which eventually produced APC candidate Gboyega Oyetola as winner by a narrow margin. The result was later upheld by the courts in 2020.

Although Oshiomhole immediately corrected himself, the phrase “pain of rigging” quickly became political ammunition online, with critics claiming the comment accidentally revealed what many Nigerians already suspected about electoral politics in the country.

The old clip has now found new life following tensions within the ADC’s direct presidential primaries held between May 25 and May 26, 2026.

Former Minister of Transportation Rotimi Amaechi rejected the emerging results of the primaries, alleging widespread irregularities, voter disenfranchisement, and manipulation in several states.

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar is currently leading the tallies, but Amaechi and at least one other aspirant have challenged the credibility of the process, triggering fresh controversy within the opposition party.

As accusations flew, social media users quickly revived Oshiomhole’s famous “pain of rigging” comment, turning it into one of Nigeria’s top trending political discussions.

Posts mocking the situation flooded X, formerly Twitter, with comments such as:

«“Amaechi, accept the pain of rigging 😂”»

«“Oshiomhole warned everybody since 2018.”»

«“Protect your votes in 2027 or prepare for pain.”»

The viral moment has sparked broader debates about the credibility of internal party elections in Nigeria and the recurring allegations of rigging that continue to trail both ruling and opposition parties.

Political commentators say the resurfacing of the clip reflects growing public frustration with Nigeria’s democratic process, where accusations of manipulation often emerge regardless of which political party is involved.

Several Nigerians also used the moment to call for urgent electoral reforms ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Among reactions shared online were:

«“The same politicians defending elections yesterday are now complaining today. Nigerian politics is pure convenience.”»

«“Oshiomhole’s accidental honesty remains undefeated.”»

«“Every election cycle in Nigeria comes with rigging accusations. Nothing changes.”»

The controversy has continued to dominate online conversations as Nigerians debate whether the viral clip represents political comedy, hypocrisy, or a deeper reflection of the country’s electoral challenges.

Meanwhile, the ADC is yet to officially resolve disputes arising from the primaries, raising questions about possible internal divisions ahead of the next election cycle.

Readers’ Comments and Social Media Reactions

@NaijaTruthSeeker:
“Dem never learn. Same script every election. Oshiomhole don expose them tey tey 😂 #PainOfRigging”

@ConcernedCitizenNG:
“Whether slip or not, the man said the truth by mistake. All parties do it. We need electoral reform urgently!”

@AmaechiFanClub:
“Amaechi should focus on building strong structures instead of crying after results. But the video timing is suspicious sha.”

@PDPWarrior:
“APC taught the masterclass. Now opposition is learning the hard way. Hypocrisy level 1000.”