2027: ADC demands clarification from INEC, Police over alleged partisanship

By Lateef Ibrahim

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and the Nigeria Police Force to address concerns over what it described as actions capable of undermining confidence in the 2027 general elections.

In a statement issued on Thursday by its National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, the opposition party urged INEC Chairman, Prof. Joash Amupitan, to clarify reports alleging that a faction of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) associated with MC Oluomo could be involved in election logistics.

The party argued that any such arrangement, if confirmed, could erode public trust in the electoral process, stressing that INEC’s credibility depends not only on conducting free and fair elections but also on maintaining the confidence of political stakeholders.

ADC also requested an explanation from the Inspector-General of Police over the reported presence of Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Tijani Fatai, at the inauguration of the pro-Tinubu City Boy Movement.

According to the party, senior police officers are expected to maintain political neutrality, warning that participation in partisan political activities could weaken public confidence in the Nigeria Police Force.

Abdullahi expressed concern over what he described as an increasing overlap between state institutions and the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), alleging that officials who should remain impartial were becoming politically aligned.

The party further linked its concerns to President Bola Tinubu’s reported statement that “all is fair in war,” saying the comment had heightened anxieties about the conduct of the 2027 elections.

ADC maintained that if the Lagos police commissioner attended the political event without official approval, appropriate disciplinary measures should be taken. However, if the attendance was authorized, it said similar access should be extended to opposition parties by allowing senior police officers to attend their political events under the same conditions.

As part of its call for equal treatment, the party announced plans to invite the Inspector-General of Police and the Commissioner of Police in the Federal Capital Territory to its next political gathering in Abuja, expressing hope that they would honour the invitation in the interest of fairness.