The presidential candidate of the Social Democratic Party (SDP), Adewale Adebayo, has said the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) is not responsible for determining whether candidates are qualified to contest elections, insisting that the electoral body only publishes information submitted by political parties.
Speaking during Sunday Politics, Adebayo explained that INEC’s constitutional role is to receive nomination documents from political parties and make them available to the public, while the responsibility of scrutinising candidates’ credentials rests with Nigerians and other stakeholders.
“INEC is our servant. It’s working for the public. INEC is just like the post office. Its role is to collect the information submitted by political parties and candidates and make it available to the electorate. It’s not INEC’s job to vet the information,” Adebayo said.
According to him, if anyone believes a candidate submitted false information or forged credentials, such claims should be challenged through the appropriate legal process rather than expecting INEC to investigate them.
The SDP flagbearer also dismissed reports suggesting there was a crisis within his party over its presidential ticket.
He maintained that the SDP’s nomination process was peaceful, transparent and conducted in line with the law.
Adebayo noted that INEC did not only publish his name but also released the names of the party’s vice-presidential candidate, 109 senatorial candidates and 360 House of Representatives candidates, describing the exercise as a routine constitutional responsibility of the electoral commission.
He urged Nigerians to shift attention away from political controversies and focus on the major issues affecting the country ahead of the 2027 general elections.
According to him, problems such as poverty, insecurity, poor governance and economic hardship should dominate political discussions as Nigerians prepare to elect new leaders.
Source: Channels Television
