Group Alleges Electoral Bias, Plans Nationwide Protests

The Movement for Credible Elections (MCE) has alleged an emerging alliance between the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), and a section of the judiciary aimed at undermining opposition parties ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Addressing a press conference on Thursday in Victoria Island, Lagos, the group said recent actions by INEC pose a threat to Nigeria’s multi-party democracy and could disenfranchise legitimate political parties and presidential aspirants.

MCE specifically faulted INEC’s decision to withdraw recognition of the leadership of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), led by former Senate President David Mark and ex-governor Rauf Aregbesola as chairman and secretary respectively.

The group described the move as a malicious attempt to weaken the ADC and the broader opposition, particularly as the party prepares for its congresses scheduled to begin on April 7.

According to the group, INEC’s position, which it said was based on a Court of Appeal order directing parties to maintain status quo, was misapplied.

MCE argued that the existing leadership structure of the ADC should have been maintained, adding that the electoral body’s refusal to recognise communications from the party and monitor its congresses raises concerns about the fate of its aspirants in the 2027 polls.

The group also alleged similar interference in the affairs of the Labour Party and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), claiming that such actions were part of a broader agenda to weaken opposition platforms.

It further accused a serving minister, Nyesom Wike, of playing a role in internal crises within the PDP.

MCE warned that the alleged actions could pave the way for what it described as a one-man rule, insisting that INEC, as currently constituted, has compromised its independence.

“The ongoing developments are aimed at excluding other political parties from the 2027 general elections.
In response, the organisation announced plans to embark on nationwide rallies and town hall meetings to mobilise public resistance against what it termed “electoral manipulation,” the group said.

It said the mobilisation would begin across the six geopolitical zones, starting with the North East in Gombe on April 9, followed by the North West on April 13 in Sokoto or Kano, North Central on April 15 in Jos, South-South on April 17 in Calabar or Warri, South East on April 21 in Enugu or Anambra, and South West on April 24 in Ibadan or Lagos.

A national rally is scheduled to hold in Abuja on April 27.

The group also called for the resignation of the INEC chairman and his team, alleging bias in favour of the ruling party.

It further demanded comprehensive electoral reforms to guarantee free, fair and credible elections in 2027.

The press conference was signed by MCE chairman, Dr Usman Bugaje; co-chair, Comrade Ayuba Wabba; deputy chair (South), Amb Nkoyo Toyo; deputy chair (North), Hajia Bilikisu Magoro; and several other officials of the group.

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