The 2027 presidential candidate of the Social Democratic Party, Adewole Adebayo, has issued a warning to the Independent National Electoral Commission against any failure of its electoral technology in the 2027 general elections. Adebayo stated that Nigerians will no longer accept "technical glitches" as an excuse for electoral irregularities. This warning was contained in an Independence Day message issued ahead of Nigeria's 66th anniversary on October 1.
Adebayo also urged Nigerians to reject vote buying, electoral manipulation, and rigging in the 2027 elections. According to him, the survival of Nigeria's democracy depends largely on the ability of citizens to freely elect their leaders without coercion or manipulation. He argued that the collapse of previous republics and the long periods of military rule were linked to the subversion of the people's will through electoral malpractice.
Adebayo described election rigging as an attack on citizens' sovereignty, producing leaders who feel little obligation to voters. He linked poor governance in the country to electoral malpractice, citing challenges in healthcare, education, and the economy. The SDP candidate also criticized the administration of the All Progressives Congress, accusing it of undermining democratic institutions and exploiting poverty for political advantage.
Adebayo alleged that poverty was being weaponized to make vulnerable Nigerians susceptible to vote buying. He also accused the government of suppressing dissent and subjecting the judiciary to political influence. According to him, such practices were inconsistent with the democratic ideals associated with Nigeria's independence.
Turning specifically to the 2027 elections, Adebayo warned INEC that Nigerians would not accept unexplained disruptions to electronic election systems. He said the commission had sufficient time and resources to prepare for the elections and should ensure that its technological systems function transparently. Adebayo emphasized that an excuse of a "technical glitch" by INEC in 2027 would be totally unacceptable.
Adebayo urged Nigerians to protect their votes at polling units and reject inducements offered in exchange for their ballots. He said citizens should not trade their votes for immediate benefits only to face the consequences of poor governance for another four years. Adebayo reiterated his promise to tackle poverty and insecurity within four years if elected president.
The statement, signed by Comrade Mark Adebayo, Head of the Directorate of Media and Communications of the Adewole Adebayo-Bugaje Presidential Campaign, emphasized the importance of protecting Nigeria's democracy. Adebayo's warning and advice come as Nigeria prepares for the 2027 general elections, with many stakeholders calling for free, fair, and transparent elections.
Key points
- Adebayo warns INEC against electoral glitches and urges Nigerians to reject vote trading ahead of the 2027 general elections.
- The SDP presidential candidate emphasizes the importance of protecting Nigeria's democracy and ensuring free, fair, and transparent elections.
- Adebayo reiterates his promise to tackle poverty and insecurity within four years if elected president.
