The African Democratic Congress (ADC) on Thursday flagged what it called risks to the credibility of the 2027 general elections, accusing the Independent National Electoral Commission and the Nigeria Police Force of actions that could weaken public confidence in the electoral process.
The opposition noted that it would ask INEC for clarification over claims that an MC Oluomo-linked NURTW faction could handle election logistics. At the same time, it is asking the IGP to account for the reported presence of Lagos CP Tijani Fatai at the unveiling of the pro-Tinubu City Boy Movement.
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This places the spotlight on the neutrality of institutions responsible for elections and security as political activities gather pace ahead of 2027.
The announcement follows increased political activities ahead of the next general election as parties strengthen their structures and public campaigns.
During this period, confidence in election management and security agencies is often viewed as important to the credibility of the electoral process.
ADC demands public explanations from INEC and police
The party’s National Publicity Secretary, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, said the ADC would formally ask INEC Chairman, Prof Joash Amupitan, to explain reports that a faction of the National Union of Road Transport Workers allegedly linked to MC Oluomo could be engaged to transport election personnel and sensitive election materials.
Although the party acknowledged that the reports had not been officially clarified by INEC, it maintained that any such arrangement would affect public trust in the electoral process.
“INEC’s credibility depends not only on conducting free and fair elections but also on inspiring confidence among all political stakeholders. 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.”
The ADC also accused the President Bola Tinubu led administration of allowing important democratic institutions to drift into partisan politics ahead of the 2027 polls.
Abdullahi said, “There are no longer any discernible boundaries between the Nigerian state and the ruling APC. 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.”
The party also referred to a recent remark attributed to President Tinubu that “all is fair in war”, stating that the comment had increased public anxiety over the conduct of the next general election.
Party questions police conduct and plans test of impartiality
The ADC also criticised the reported attendance of the Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Tijani Fatai, at the launch of the pro Tinubu City Boy Movement.
The party said the appearance was not consistent with the constitutional expectation that security agencies should remain politically neutral.
“The Nigeria Police Force belongs to the Nigerian people, not to any political party. Senior police officers must not only remain impartial, they must also be seen to be impartial,” Abdullahi said.
The party asked the Inspector General of Police to state whether the Lagos commissioner attended the event with official approval.
It maintained that any attendance without authorisation should attract disciplinary action. It also said that where approval was granted, senior police officers should equally be allowed to attend programmes organised by opposition political parties.
The ADC announced that it would invite the Inspector General of Police and the Commissioner of Police in the Federal Capital Territory to its next political event in Abuja.
“In the interest of fairness and equity, we fervently expect them to attend,” the party said.
The opposition party also disclosed that it would send a formal letter to the INEC chairman requesting details of the reported election logistics arrangement.
INEC has repeatedly maintained that it operates as an independent electoral body committed to conducting free, fair and credible elections. The Nigeria Police Force has also consistently assured Nigerians of its political neutrality during election periods.
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