The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has accused the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) of undermining its own credibility ahead of the 2027 general elections, citing alleged irregularities in the voters’ register and what it describes as the Commission’s failure to comply with key provisions of the Electoral Act 2026.
The party warned that INEC’s repeated administrative lapses raise serious concerns about the credibility of preparations for the 2027 elections. It also questioned whether the Commission’s conduct could provide grounds for a possible postponement of the elections, despite repeated assurances by the Federal Government that there are no plans to change the election dates.
The ADC specifically expressed concern over revelations that INEC’s voters’ register allegedly contains AI-generated photographs and fictitious entries. It further noted the Commission’s reported admission that some of its registration officers were responsible for introducing irregularities into the register.
According to the party, the alleged involvement of INEC officials raises critical questions about accountability and the Commission’s willingness to investigate and prosecute those responsible.
“If INEC knows that its own officials compromised the voters’ register with AI-generated photographs, why has nobody been arrested? Why have these individuals not been handed over for prosecution? What exactly is INEC waiting for?” the party asked.
ADC Questions INEC’s Compliance with Electoral Act on Voters’ Register
The ADC also criticised INEC over its alleged failure to publish the preliminary voters’ register online within the timeframe prescribed by law.
The party cited Section 19(1) of the Electoral Act 2026, which it said requires the Commission to make the preliminary register available for public scrutiny not later than 90 days before the general election.
It further drew attention to Section 19(5), which, according to the ADC, provides criminal sanctions for any INEC official who fails to comply with the publication requirement. Such sanctions include a fine, imprisonment, or both.
The party questioned why an electoral commission with several years to prepare for the 2027 general elections would struggle to meet what it described as a clear statutory obligation.
“We are beginning to wonder whether INEC is intentionally trying to make itself incompetent. Because how else do you explain an electoral umpire that had at least three years to prepare for elections, but is suddenly unable or unwilling to produce a credible voters’ register in accordance with the strict requirements of the law?” the party stated.
The ADC added that Nigerians must begin to question whether INEC’s repeated failures are simply administrative shortcomings or deliberate actions that could compromise the electoral process.
Concerns Over Credibility of the 2027 General Elections
Beyond the voters’ register controversy, the ADC warned that INEC’s alleged disregard for the Electoral Act raises broader concerns about its readiness to implement other mandatory electoral safeguards during the 2027 general elections.
The party questioned what guarantees Nigerians have that the Commission will comply with the law on Election Day if it is unable or unwilling to meet statutory requirements during the pre-election period.
It specifically referenced the use of the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS), serialised ballot papers and other legally prescribed measures designed to strengthen electoral transparency and credibility.
“If INEC can disregard the Electoral Act today, what assurance do Nigerians have that it will obey the law on Election Day? What stops INEC from waking up on election morning to announce that it will not use BVAS, or that it will not use serialised ballot papers, or that it has decided to disregard some other mandatory safeguard?” the party asked.
The ADC maintained that compliance with electoral laws must be consistent and non-negotiable, arguing that public confidence in the electoral process depends on the Commission’s willingness to respect and enforce the law at every stage of the election cycle.
ADC Demands Independent Forensic Audit of Voters’ Register
In response to the alleged irregularities and statutory compliance concerns, the African Democratic Congress has called on INEC to take urgent and transparent steps to restore public confidence in the integrity of the voters’ register.
The party outlined three key demands:
- An independent forensic audit of the voters’ register to identify AI-generated photographs, fictitious entries and other irregularities.
- The identification and investigation of officials implicated in the alleged manipulation of the register, with appropriate legal action taken against anyone found culpable.
- A comprehensive public explanation from INEC on its failure to comply with the statutory requirements for the publication of the preliminary voters’ register under Section 19 of the Electoral Act 2026.
The ADC stressed that the integrity of the voters’ register is fundamental to credible elections and that any unresolved questions surrounding its accuracy could further erode public confidence in the electoral process.
ADC: Nigerians Deserve Credible Elections Ahead of 2027
The party warned that the 2027 general elections must not be compromised by administrative failures, alleged breaches of electoral laws or a lack of accountability within the electoral commission.
It insisted that INEC must demonstrate transparency, institutional responsibility and strict adherence to the Electoral Act to reassure Nigerians that the Commission is adequately prepared to conduct credible elections.
“The 2027 elections cannot be left to the discretion of an electoral umpire that appears increasingly comfortable with breaking its own rules. INEC must understand that compliance with the Electoral Act is not optional. Nigerians deserve credible elections, not a succession of excuses designed to prepare them for a predetermined outcome,” the ADC declared.
The party urged INEC to address the concerns surrounding the voters’ register without further delay, insisting that transparency and accountability in the pre-election period are essential to protecting the credibility of the 2027 general elections.
