By EZEKIEL OBI, Abuja-
African Democratic Congress (ADC) has urged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to thoroughly investigate alleged irregularities that marred Saturday’s by-elections.
In a statement released on Sunday in Abuja, ADC’s National Publicity Secretary, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, called for sanctions against any officials found culpable and emphasized the need for measures to restore public trust in Nigeria’s electoral system.
Abdullahi highlighted several issues, including reports of violence, vote buying, manipulation, and administrative failures.
“In one state, a vote buyer was caught with N25.9 million intended to undermine the people’s will,” he stated.
“In another, election officials were implicated in similar inducements, signaling a troubling trend in our electoral process.”
Expressing concern over technical failures, Abdullahi noted, “The Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) failed in several polling units, further eroding trust.”
He stressed that such lapses are unacceptable, warning that the by-elections could foreshadow challenges in the 2027 general elections.
“Nigerians deserve elections that inspire confidence domestically and earn respect globally,” he asserted.
Abdullahi clarified that the ADC’s limited participation in the by-elections, with candidates fielded for only a few positions, should not be used to judge the party’s strength.
He also called on civil society organizations, the media, faith leaders, and all Nigerians to unite in safeguarding the integrity of the electoral process.
“We must collectively defend the sanctity of the ballot,” he urged.
