The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has raised serious concerns about the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), alleging that the electoral body is under increasing political pressure from the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) as preparations for the 2027 general elections intensify. The party’s National Publicity Secretary, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, made the claim during an interview with The Sun on Saturday, warning that INEC’s independence is being tested by mounting influence from the ruling party.
According to Abdullahi, INEC is caught in a difficult position, struggling to balance its constitutional mandate with the political pressures being exerted upon it. He stated that the commission sometimes yields to these pressures while at other times attempts to uphold its neutrality and integrity. “INEC is conflicted. There is tension between its desire to maintain its independence and the pressure it is facing from the ruling party. Sometimes it yields to that pressure, while at other times it tries to resist and uphold its independence,” he said.
The ADC leader expressed sympathy for INEC’s Chairman, Prof. Joash Amupitan, acknowledging the immense pressure he faces in his role. However, Abdullahi emphasized that the issue transcends the individual and is fundamentally about the integrity of the entire electoral institution. “We have sympathy for the INEC chairman because we understand the kind of pressure he is under. But this is not about him alone; it is about the institution of INEC,” he noted.
Abdullahi further argued that the current situation is not just a test for political parties, but for Nigeria’s democratic institutions as a whole. He stated that INEC, like the judiciary, is also on trial. “Politicians are not the only ones on trial. ADC is not the only party on trial, and neither is any other political party. INEC is also on trial, just as the judiciary is,” he said.
He urged INEC to demonstrate its commitment to the Nigerian Constitution and the people it serves. “INEC has an opportunity to demonstrate that its loyalty lies with the Nigerian Constitution and the Nigerian people. Every government eventually leaves office and is judged by history,” Abdullahi added.
He concluded with a powerful message to Prof. Amupitan, reminding him that his actions today will shape his legacy. “History will remember Prof. Amupitan. He must decide the role he wants to play in Nigeria’s democratic history—whether he wants to be remembered with honour or with ignominy. The opportunity to make that choice is now.”
As Nigeria prepares for the 2027 elections, the ADC’s warnings highlight growing concerns about electoral fairness and institutional independence. The coming years will test whether INEC can remain a neutral, credible body or succumb to political influence, with implications for the country’s democratic future.
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