… says Commission must outline concrete safeguards against manipulation
The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to showcase to Nigerians its concrete safeguards against manipulation of the forthcoming general elections.
The Commission statement issued to newsmen in Abuja was on the heels of INEC’s announcement of dates for the forthcoming general elections.
While welcoming the notices of election, the opposition party’s national publicity secretary, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, declared that the credibility of the polls does not rest on the timetable but on transparent processes.
The ADC specifically tasked INEC to give Nigerians clear assurances on the real-time electronic transmission of results.
The statement read, “The African Democratic Congress, ADC, notes the announcement by the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, fixing February 20, 2027, for the Presidential and National Assembly elections.
“We welcome the early release of the timetable, which provides political parties, stakeholders, and the Nigerian electorate with needed clarity for long-term planning and democratic preparation.
“However, the credibility of the 2027 general elections will ultimately not be judged by the timeliness of the timetable alone, but by the Commission’s demonstrable commitment to transparency, technological integrity, and strict adherence to due process throughout the electoral cycle.
“Of particular importance is the question of real-time electronic transmission of results. While the Commission has indicated that it will operate within the ambit of the law, the current Electoral Act still leaves procedural discretion in critical areas that directly affect public confidence.
“In his recent engagement with the media, the INEC Chairman acknowledged the Commission’s technological capacity to deploy electronic transmission and affirmed that the Commission will continue to use technology in the conduct of elections.
“The ADC, therefore, respectfully urges INEC to provide early and unambiguous clarity to Nigerians on its readiness to adopt real-time electronic transmission of results should the necessary legal amendments be enacted.
“Beyond this, the Commission should clearly outline the specific guardrails, both manual and electronic, that will be deployed to safeguard the integrity of results management and prevent any recurrence of the irregularities that have troubled recent off-cycle elections.
“The ADC also reiterates its call on the National Assembly to urgently pass a binding legislative framework that removes ambiguity around electronic transmission of results and strengthens the legal architecture for transparent elections.
“Nigerians have shown, time and again, that they are ready to defend the sanctity of their votes. What is now required is for the electoral umpire to match that civic vigilance with institutional clarity, operational transparency, and administrative excellence.
“As a party committed to democratic deepening and credible elections, the ADC will continue to engage constructively with INEC, the National Assembly, and all relevant stakeholders to ensure that the 2027 elections reflect the true will of the Nigerian people.”