2027: ADC Alleges Politicisation of INEC, Police

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has accused the Federal Government of allowing major public institutions, including the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and the Nigeria Police Force, to become involved in partisan politics ahead of the 2027 general elections.

In a statement issued on Thursday, the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, said recent developments had raised concerns about the neutrality of institutions expected to remain independent during the electoral process.

The party pointed to reports claiming that a faction of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW), allegedly associated with MC Oluomo, could be engaged by INEC to handle election logistics. It argued that such an arrangement, if true, could weaken public trust in the electoral process and raise questions about the commission’s independence.

The ADC also criticised the reported presence of the Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Tijani Fatai, at the inauguration of the pro-Tinubu City Boy Movement, describing the development as troubling.

According to the party, recent events suggest that the distinction between government institutions and the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) is becoming increasingly unclear. It said political interests appeared to be finding their way into state institutions, while some security officials who are expected to remain neutral were allegedly taking actions that could be interpreted as political support for the ruling party.

The opposition party maintained that INEC’s responsibility goes beyond conducting elections, adding that the commission must also maintain the confidence of political parties and the electorate through impartial conduct.

The ADC further linked its concerns to a reported statement credited to President Bola Tinubu that “all is fair in war,” arguing that such comments had added to public concerns about the conduct of the 2027 elections.

The party also insisted that the Nigeria Police Force must remain politically neutral at all times, stating that the institution serves all Nigerians and should not be seen as favouring any political party.

It called on the Chairman of INEC, Prof. Joash Amupitan, to explain any relationship between the electoral commission and the NURTW faction allegedly linked to MC Oluomo.

The ADC also asked the Inspector-General of Police to clarify whether the Lagos State Commissioner of Police attended the City Boy Movement programme with official approval.

According to the party, if the police commissioner acted without authorisation, appropriate disciplinary measures should be taken. However, if his attendance was officially approved, the same opportunity should be extended to senior police officers to attend opposition political events under similar conditions.

The party disclosed that it would 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.