2027: Reverse ADC Decision or Risk Credibility Crisis, IPAC Warns INEC
The Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC) has warned the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to reverse its handling of the leadership crisis rocking the African Democratic Congress (ADC), saying the move could trigger a credibility crisis ahead of the 2027 general elections.
IPAC also expressed concern over the timing of the proposed nationwide voter revalidation exercise and condemned the continued killings in Plateau State, warning that both electoral and security issues could weaken public trust in Nigeria’s democracy.
The council made its position known in a statement issued by its National Publicity Secretary, Comrade Egbeola Wale Martins, and made available to journalists in Abuja.
According to IPAC, recent developments in the country’s electoral process and worsening insecurity risk putting pressure on political institutions and excluding many Nigerians from fully participating in democracy.
Speaking on the ADC leadership dispute, the council cautioned INEC against taking steps capable of escalating tensions or creating uncertainty in the political space.
IPAC said, “The reported removal of the names of Distinguished Senator David Mark and Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola from INEC’s official portal appears premature and capable of creating avoidable instability within the polity.”
It added that if such actions are not properly managed, they could set a dangerous precedent and erode confidence in the neutrality of the electoral body.
“In cases of internal party disagreements, it must be clearly understood that leadership structures, even when contested, do not amount to a vacuum,” the council stated.
On the proposed voter revalidation exercise, IPAC said the timing raises serious concerns, especially at a period when political parties are already grappling with major obligations under the new Electoral Act.
The council noted that parties are currently engaged in nationwide membership registration with mandatory National Identification Number (NIN) verification, party primaries, as well as verification and compliance assessments expected to be conducted by INEC.
It warned that introducing another nationwide electoral exercise without broad consultation and proper preparation could disenfranchise millions of eligible voters.
“We therefore urge INEC to reconsider the timing of the exercise to prevent an overly congested electoral environment that may ultimately exclude, rather than include, more citizens in the democratic process,” IPAC said.
On security, the council condemned the persistent killings in Plateau State, describing the attacks as senseless and dangerous to the country’s unity.
“These senseless acts of violence are unacceptable and pose a serious threat to national unity and security.
“It is imperative that the perpetrators of these heinous crimes, along with their sponsors, are swiftly apprehended and brought to justice,” it added.
IPAC stressed that Nigeria’s democracy can only flourish where elections are credible, institutions remain stable, and citizens are safe.
Titilope Adako is a talented and intrepid journalist, dedicated to shedding light on the untold stories of Osun State and Nigeria. Through incisive reporting, she tackles a broad spectrum of topics, from politics and social justice to culture and entertainment, with a commitment to accuracy, empathy, and inspiring positive change.
