ADC raises alarm over alleged politicisation of INEC, Police
ADC Accuses Federal Government of Partisan Politics Ahead of 2027 Elections
The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has alleged that the Federal Government is allowing crucial institutions, including the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and the Nigeria Police Force, to engage in partisan politics as the country prepares for the 2027 general elections.
In a statement released Thursday, Bolaji Abdullahi, the party’s National Publicity Secretary, voiced concerns over reports that a faction of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW), purportedly connected to MC Oluomo, may be utilized by INEC for election logistics.
The ADC also took issue with the attendance of Lagos State Commissioner of Police Tijani Fatai at the launch of the pro-Tinubu City Boy Movement, calling it indicative of an alarming blend of state and party politics.
Abdullahi characterized the circumstances as a “dangerous collapse of the boundary” between the Nigerian state and the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). He remarked, “There are no longer any discernible boundaries between the Nigerian state and the ruling APC. Political actors are openly infiltrating state institutions, while heads of security units who should statutorily maintain neutrality are shamelessly becoming political cheerleaders for the ruling party and the President.”
The ADC warned that if the reported involvement of the NURTW in electoral logistics is accurate, it could severely damage public trust in the electoral process. The party emphasized that the integrity of INEC hinges not only on conducting free and fair elections but also on fostering confidence among all political stakeholders.
Further aggravating the situation, the ADC referenced President Bola Tinubu’s controversial remark that “all is fair in war,” noting that it has increased public apprehension about the upcoming elections.
The opposition party stressed the necessity for senior police officers to uphold political neutrality, stating, “The Nigeria Police Force belongs to the Nigerian people, not to any political party.”
In light of these developments, the ADC has called on INEC Chairman Prof. Joash Amupitan to clarify any relationship between the commission and the NURTW faction linked to MC Oluomo. Additionally, the party seeks clarification from the Inspector-General of Police regarding whether the Lagos Commissioner of Police attended the City Boy Movement event with official authorization.
The ADC asserted that if the officer attended without proper authorization, disciplinary measures should be enacted. Conversely, if the appearance was sanctioned, the party insisted that senior police officers be permitted to attend opposition political events under similar conditions.
Lastly, the ADC announced plans to invite the Inspector-General of Police and the FCT Commissioner of Police to its next political event in Abuja, expressing hope that the officials would attend in the spirit of fairness and equity.
