Former Kogi West senator, Dino Melaye, has issued a warning to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) against actions that could compromise the integrity of the 2027 general elections. In a post on his X handle, Melaye described INEC's recent activities as signs of "anticipatory rigging". He insisted that any attempt to manipulate the process would be resisted. Melaye's warning comes amid concerns over INEC's handling of electoral matters.
Melaye, who recently joined the African Democratic Congress (ADC), has repeatedly criticised INEC over its handling of electoral matters. His latest remarks are linked to controversy surrounding suspected artificial intelligence-generated photographs discovered in INEC's preliminary voters' register. There are also complaints by political parties over the omission of some candidates from INEC's final list. Melaye called on INEC to reform its operations ahead of the elections.
The ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) has also weighed in on the issue, calling on INEC to strictly adhere to its published timetable for the 2027 general elections. APC National Chairman, Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda, made the call when he received a pre-election fact-finding mission from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS). Yilwatda stressed that electoral rules must apply equally to all political parties.
Yilwatda cautioned INEC against changing electoral deadlines in ways that could give any political party an advantage over others. He noted that his party had already inaugurated its campaign council, commenced campaign activities, and uploaded its candidates to INEC's portal. The APC chairman claimed that his party had about 13 million registered members across the country's local government areas.
According to Yilwatda, the APC has more than 261,000 executive members from the ward to the national level. He said the party's membership cards could be verified through National Identification Numbers (NIN) and voter identification details. The APC has 31 governors, 88 senators, and 208 members of the House of Representatives.
However, Yilwatda maintained that the party's numerical strength should not translate into the suppression of opposition parties. He assured that the APC would not use its position to intimidate opposition parties, stressing that all political parties should enjoy equal access to the media, campaign venues, and other legitimate platforms.
The APC's commitment to a level playing field is crucial in ensuring a free and fair election. As the 2027 general elections approach, stakeholders are watching INEC's moves closely. The commission's response to Melaye's warning and the APC's call for fairness will be critical in determining the credibility of the electoral process.
Key points
- Dino Melaye warns INEC against electoral irregularities ahead of the 2027 general elections.
- The APC calls on INEC to adhere to its published timetable for the 2027 general elections.
- The 2027 general elections are expected to be a crucial test of Nigeria's democratic process.
