The African Democratic Congress Presidential Campaign Council has called on the Independent National Electoral Commission to maintain strict neutrality ahead of the 2027 general elections, warning against any action that could give the ruling All Progressives Congress an unfair advantage. The ADC-PCC made the demand in a statement issued on Wednesday by its Director of […]

The African Democratic Congress Presidential Campaign Council has called on the Independent National Electoral Commission to maintain strict neutrality ahead of the 2027 general elections, warning against any action that could give the ruling All Progressives Congress an unfair advantage.

The ADC-PCC made the demand in a statement issued on Wednesday by its Director of Media and Publicity, Kola Ologbondiyan, following INEC’s World Press Conference held on Tuesday.

Ologbondiyan said the integrity of the 2027 polls would largely depend on the electoral commission’s ability to operate independently, transparently and without partisan influence throughout the election process.

He also raised concerns over voter access to Permanent Voter Cards, arguing that registration figures would not be sufficient if eligible Nigerians were unable to obtain their cards before election day.

According to him, being listed on the voters’ register does not automatically give citizens the ability to vote, stressing that actual possession of a PVC remains essential for participation in the election.

The ADC-PCC further alleged that delays and administrative difficulties at PVC collection centres could prevent some eligible voters from obtaining their cards, particularly in areas considered strongholds of opposition parties.

Ologbondiyan consequently urged INEC to remove administrative barriers that could restrict eligible Nigerians from accessing their voter cards and exercising their constitutional rights.

He called on the commission to remain an impartial electoral umpire and rejected any alleged influence from the ruling APC over its activities.

The ADC spokesman said the party would continue to scrutinise INEC’s preparations for the 2027 elections and demand adherence to the Constitution and Electoral Act at every stage of the process.

He added that the commission was being closely watched by both Nigerians and the international community, urging it to preserve public confidence by conducting its activities fairly and transparently.

The campaign council also appealed to INEC Chairman, Professor Joash Amupitan, to make PVC collection more accessible by moving collection points to ward level, extending collection hours and using technology to inform voters when their cards are available.

The ADC-PCC maintained that its demand for neutrality extends beyond voter registration and PVC collection to the entire electoral process, insisting that the commission’s primary responsibility should be to the Constitution and Nigerian electorate rather than any political party.