By Luminous Jannamike, ABUJA
The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has welcomed the February 20, 2027, election date announced by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) but urged the Commission to give Nigerians clear assurances on real-time electronic transmission of results, stressing that the credibility of the polls will depend on transparent processes.
In a statement by its National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, the party also called on the National Assembly to urgently pass a binding legal framework that removes uncertainty surrounding electronic transmission of results.
“The African Democratic Congress, ADC, notes the announcement by the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, fixing February 20, 2027, for the Presidential and National Assembly elections.
“We welcome the early release of the timetable, which provides political parties, stakeholders, and the Nigerian electorate with needed clarity for long-term planning and democratic preparation.
“However, the credibility of the 2027 general elections will ultimately not be judged by the timeliness of the timetable alone, but by the Commission’s demonstrable commitment to transparency, technological integrity, and strict adherence to due process throughout the electoral cycle.
“Of particular importance is the question of real-time electronic transmission of results. While the Commission has indicated that it will operate within the ambits of the law, the current Electoral Act still leaves procedural discretion in critical areas that directly affect public confidence,” Abdullahi said.
The party noted that the INEC chairman had acknowledged the commission’s technological capacity to deploy electronic transmission and urged the commission to clearly state its readiness once the required legal amendments are enacted.
“The ADC therefore respectfully urges INEC to provide early and unambiguous clarity to Nigerians on its readiness to adopt real-time electronic transmission of results should the necessary legal amendments be enacted,” it stated.
Beyond this, the party asked the Commission to outline both manual and electronic safeguards that would protect the integrity of election results and prevent irregularities.
“Nigerians have shown, time and again, that they are ready to defend the sanctity of their votes. What is now required is for the electoral umpire to match that civic vigilance with institutional clarity, operational transparency, and administrative excellence,” Abdullahi stressed.
The party added that it would continue to engage with INEC, the National Assembly, and other stakeholders to ensure that the 2027 elections reflect the true will of the Nigerian people.
The post 2027: ADC welcomes INEC timetable, demands real-time results appeared first on Vanguard News.