The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has expressed its lack of confidence in the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to independently protect votes cast for its candidates in the 2027 general elections. According to Bolaji Abdullahi, ADC National Publicity Secretary, the party has learnt from its experience during the 2023 general elections. Abdullahi stated that many candidates trusted INEC's assurances that results would be automatically transmitted to its Result Viewing Portal, IReV, but the subsequent failure of automatic transmission had made the party more cautious.
The ADC's decision to establish its own mechanism to monitor, collate and verify results from polling units comes after the party's experience in the 2023 Senate election in Kwara North, where Abdullahi contested. He explained that the party would not seek to usurp INEC's legal authority to collate and declare results but would independently compile its own polling-unit results for verification. This move aims to ensure the integrity of the electoral process and provide an alternative to INEC's result transmission system.
Abdullahi emphasized that the ADC would accept results where the final figures correspond with votes recorded at polling units, but would challenge outcomes it believes do not reflect the actual votes cast. The party's alternative plan is not meant to undermine INEC's authority but to provide an additional layer of transparency and accountability in the electoral process. By doing so, the ADC aims to promote trust and confidence in the electoral process.
The ADC spokesman also raised concerns over alleged attacks on members of the party in different parts of the country, warning that continued violence could push victims towards self-defence. He alleged that an ADC member was killed in Rivers State while organising a party meeting and that some young members organising an ADC meeting in Kogi State were attacked and hospitalised. Abdullahi criticised the ruling party and security authorities for what he described as insufficient responses to these incidents.
Abdullahi warned that continued attacks without effective intervention could create conditions for retaliation and a breakdown of law and order. He stressed that the ADC's stated position remained opposed to political violence, citing the party's governance document, the Orange Book, which promotes zero tolerance for violence. The party has also warned its candidates against rhetoric capable of provoking violence along ethnic or religious lines.
The ADC's concerns about electoral violence and the credibility of electoral technology are reflective of the broader challenges facing Nigeria's electoral process. As political parties intensify preparations for the 2027 general elections, issues such as result transmission and vote collation are expected to remain central to the political contest. The ADC's alternative plan is likely to spark further debate about the role of INEC and the need for electoral reform.
The development comes as the 2027 general elections approach, with various stakeholders expected to engage in further discussions about the electoral process. The ADC's move has highlighted the need for political parties to be proactive in ensuring the integrity of the electoral process. Key to this will be the ability of INEC to address concerns about its result transmission system and ensure that the electoral process is transparent and accountable.
Key points
- The African Democratic Congress (ADC) no longer trusts INEC to protect its votes in the 2027 general elections.
- The party will establish its own mechanism to monitor, collate and verify results from polling units.
- The ADC's decision is a response to its experience in the 2023 general elections and concerns about electoral violence.
