The African Democratic Congress has welcomed the Independent National Electoral Commission’s announcement of February 20, 2027, as the date for the presidential and National Assembly elections but has called on the commission to provide clear assurances on how it intends to handle the electronic transmission of results.
In a statement signed by its National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, on Friday, February 13, the party said while the early release of the timetable was commendable, it alone would not determine the credibility of the elections.
“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,” the statement read.
The ADC identified the question of real-time electronic transmission of results as a critical issue that INEC must address head-on.
“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,” the party said.
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The ADC noted that the INEC chairman had recently acknowledged the commission’s technological capacity for electronic transmission and urged the electoral body to go further.
“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,” the statement said.
The party also called on INEC to outline specific safeguards to prevent a repeat of irregularities that marred recent off-cycle elections.
Turning to the National Assembly, the ADC urged lawmakers to act swiftly.
“The ADC reiterates its call on the National Assembly to urgently pass a binding legislative framework that removes ambiguity around electronic transmission of results and strengthens the legal architecture for transparent elections,” it said.
The party reaffirmed its commitment to engaging constructively with all stakeholders to ensure the 2027 elections reflect the true will of Nigerians.