The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has announced that it no longer trusts the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to safeguard its votes in the upcoming 2027 general elections. This statement was made by the party's National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, during an interview on Channels Television's Politics Today on Monday. Abdullahi cited concerns over previous electoral experiences, particularly the 2023 election.
Abdullahi recalled that during the 2023 election, many candidates, including himself, relied on INEC's assurance that results would be automatically transmitted to the Independent National Electoral Commission Result Viewing Portal (IReV). However, the process was marred by technical issues that prevented automatic transmission, affecting confidence in the electoral process. This experience has led the ADC to question INEC's ability to manage elections transparently.
The ADC is now making arrangements to independently monitor and collate its results during the 2027 election. Abdullahi emphasized that the party will accept results that accurately reflect votes cast at polling units but will reject outcomes that do not represent the actual votes of Nigerians. This move is aimed at ensuring the integrity of the electoral process and preventing a repeat of past challenges.
According to Abdullahi, the failure of automatic transmission due to technical issues, as described by INEC, significantly impacted the party's confidence in the electoral process. He noted that the ADC and other parties had trusted INEC's assurances, only to face challenges that undermined the credibility of the election. This experience has prompted the party to take proactive measures to protect its votes.
The ADC's decision to independently monitor and collate its results reflects a broader concern about electoral transparency and result management in Nigeria. As political parties intensify preparations for the 2027 elections, issues related to electoral integrity and INEC's role are likely to remain contentious. The ADC's stance may influence how other parties approach the electoral process in the future.
Abdullahi's comments underscore the growing skepticism among political parties regarding INEC's ability to manage elections effectively. The ADC's move to safeguard its votes independently may set a precedent for other parties, potentially leading to increased scrutiny of INEC's processes. This development comes as Nigeria prepares for another critical electoral cycle.
The ADC's National Publicity Secretary reiterated that the party will vigilantly guard its votes and protect its interests in the 2027 election. By doing so, the ADC aims to ensure that its votes are accurately counted and reflected in the final results. This approach may contribute to a more transparent and credible electoral process in Nigeria.
Key points
- The African Democratic Congress no longer trusts INEC to protect its votes in the 2027 general elections.
