As Nigeria prepares for the 2027 general elections, Social Democratic Party presidential candidate Adewole Adebayo has warned the Independent National Electoral Commission against technical failures that could affect the management and publication of election results.
Adebayo made the call in his Independence Day message, where he also urged Nigerians to reject electoral malpractice, vote buying and other forms of manipulation during the elections.
The SDP candidate said electoral corruption undermines democracy and argued that rigged elections can produce leaders who feel less accountable to citizens.
“History has shown us that when you steal the vote, you steal the destiny of the nation,” Adebayo said.
He further criticised the All Progressives Congress-led administration, accusing it of what he described as an anti-democratic approach to governance.
Adebayo alleged that poverty was being used to influence voters and criticised economic policies which he said were implemented without enough consideration for ordinary Nigerians.
“The way the APC is ruling this country is, for the most part, completely anti-democratic,” he said.
He also alleged that dissent was being suppressed and that the judiciary was being subjected to political influence.
“This is not the democracy our heroes fought for; this is a civilian autocracy masquerading as a republic,” he said.
Adebayo warns INEC
Turning specifically to the 2027 elections, Adebayo issued a warning to INEC over possible problems with election technology and the publication of results.
“This is a strict warning to INEC that there is no room for ‘glitches’ in 2027,” he said.
He said voters would not accept explanations of technical failures if such problems affected the viewing or transmission of election results.
“Nigerians are wiser, hungrier, and more determined than ever before. Let it be known today that an excuse of a ‘technical glitch’ by INEC in 2027 will be totally unacceptable,” Adebayo said.
He specifically mentioned the possibility of disruptions to results-viewing platforms and electronic systems.
“We will not accept the deliberate shutdown of results viewing portals, nor will we tolerate sudden electronic failures that only seem to occur when the ruling party is losing,” he added.
Adebayo argued that INEC has enough time to prepare for the 2027 elections and noted that substantial public funds are allocated to election technology.
“INEC has years to prepare, and billions of Naira are allocated for technology,” he said.
He added that any failure involving the deployment of election technology during the 2027 polls should be subjected to scrutiny.
“Any failure in 2027 will be viewed not as a glitch, but as a deliberate act of treason against the Nigerian people,” Adebayo said.
Calls for voters to reject vote trading
The SDP candidate also called on Nigerians to protect their votes and reject attempts to influence their choices through money, food or other forms of inducement.
He said independence should include the freedom of citizens to choose their leaders without coercion, bribery or manipulation.
“As we mark 66 years of independence, let us remember that true freedom means choosing our own leaders without coercion, bribery, or manipulation,” he said.
Adebayo urged voters not to exchange their votes for short-term benefits at the expense of their interests over the following four years.
“Do not sell your vote for a morsel of bread today only to suffer for the next four years,” he said.
He also encouraged Nigerians to protect their polling units, demand transparency and remain vigilant throughout the electoral process.
Beyond the election concerns, Adebayo pledged that his administration would focus on tackling poverty and insecurity within four years if elected.
