2027: Reverse ADC decision or trigger credibility crisis – IPAC warns INEC

By Luminous Jannamike

ABUJA — The Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC) has warned the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to reverse its decision in the African Democratic Congress (ADC) leadership dispute or risk a credibility crisis ahead of the 2027 elections.

It also raised fresh concerns over the timing of a proposed nationwide voter revalidation exercise and condemned the continued killings in Plateau State.

The council said it spoke out amid growing fears that recent developments in both the electoral process and national security could weaken public trust, strain political institutions, and ultimately shut out many Nigerians from fully participating in the democratic process.

The position was contained in a statement by IPAC National Publicity Secretary, Comrade Egbeola Wale Martins, and made available to journalists in Abuja.

Turning to the ADC leadership dispute, IPAC cautioned the electoral body against steps that could inflame tensions or create uncertainty within the political space.

“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.

“If not carefully managed, such actions may set a troubling precedent and undermine confidence in the neutrality of the electoral umpire.

“In cases of internal party disagreements, it must be clearly understood that leadership structures, even when contested, do not amount to a vacuum,” IPAC stated.

On the proposed voter revalidation exercise, the council expressed concern over its timing.

“The timing of the proposed Nationwide Voter Revalidation Exercise raises serious concerns.

“At a period when critical stakeholders, especially political parties, are already burdened with numerous obligations arising from the new Electoral Act, including ongoing nationwide membership registration with mandatory NIN verification within a limited timeframe, party primaries, as well as Verification and Compliance Assessments to be carried out by INEC, introducing an additional nationwide exercise without broad consultation, particularly with political parties and adequate preparation risks disenfranchising 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, IPAC condemned the persistent killings in Plateau State, describing them as senseless and a direct threat to national 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.

The council added that Nigeria’s democracy can only thrive where elections are credible, institutions remain stable, and citizens feel safe.

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