2027: ADC queries INEC logistics, Lagos CP’s presence at APC event

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has voiced strong accusations against the Nigerian government, alleging a deliberate erosion of neutrality in key democratic institutions. The opposition party specifically pointed to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and the Nigeria Police Force, suggesting they are being drawn into partisan politics in the lead-up to the 2027 general elections.

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There are no longer any discernible boundaries between the Nigerian state and the ruling APC.

A major concern for the ADC revolves around reports that a faction of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW), allegedly linked to MC Oluomo, might be engaged by INEC for election logistics. Additionally, the party condemned the reported appearance of the Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Tijani Fatai, at the launch of the "City Boy Movement," a pro-Tinubu group.

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Political actors are openly infiltrating state institutions, while heads of security units who should statutorily maintain neutrality are shamelessly turning into political cheerleaders of the ruling party and the President.

Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, the ADC's National Publicity Secretary, stated that these developments signify a "dangerous collapse of the boundary between the Nigerian state and the ruling All Progressives Congress." He argued that political actors are openly infiltrating state institutions, while security officials are acting as "political cheerleaders" for the ruling party and the President, undermining the expected neutrality.

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INEC’s credibility depends not only on conducting free and fair elections but also on inspiring confidence among all political stakeholders.

The ADC emphasized that INEC's credibility hinges not only on conducting free and fair elections but also on fostering confidence among all stakeholders. The party warned that any logistics arrangement involving partisan individuals in handling sensitive electoral materials would cast a significant shadow of doubt on the election's integrity. The ADC also referenced a recent remark attributed to President Bola Tinubu, "all is fair in war," suggesting it has heightened public anxiety regarding the conduct of the 2027 polls.

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Any logistics arrangement that potentially undermines the integrity of the electoral process because of the involvement of partisan individuals in handling sensitive materials would cast a long shadow of doubt on the credibility of the elections.