The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has raised alarm over an alleged plan by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to conduct a nationwide voter revalidation exercise ahead of the 2027 general elections, warning that the move could disenfranchise millions of Nigerians.
In a statement issued by its National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, the party said it had received reports of a leaked internal memo suggesting that INEC intends to embark on the exercise less than ten months before the polls.
The ADC called on the electoral body to urgently clarify the authenticity of the document and whether it reflects official policy.
According to the party, if the proposed revalidation is implemented, it could create significant barriers for already registered voters, many of whom may be unable to travel within a limited timeframe to update their details.
The ADC warned that such a requirement risks excluding eligible voters and worsening voter apathy across the country.
The party further described the timing of the alleged exercise as inappropriate, arguing that any voter register review should have been conducted immediately after the last general election rather than on the eve of another electoral cycle.
It noted that introducing such a process so close to elections could generate confusion and undermine public confidence in the electoral system.
The ADC also questioned how INEC intends to accommodate citizens who may face logistical challenges in participating in the revalidation process, stressing that no Nigerian should lose the right to vote due to administrative hurdles. It warned that policies perceived to suppress participation could ultimately affect the credibility and legitimacy of the 2027 elections.
While acknowledging the importance of maintaining a credible voter register, the party insisted that any reform must be transparent, inclusive, and timely. It cautioned that last-minute measures risk being interpreted as politically motivated and could erode trust in the electoral process.
The ADC therefore urged INEC to abandon the reported plan if confirmed and instead reassure Nigerians of its commitment to conducting free, fair, and credible elections, emphasizing that the right to vote must not be compromised by what it described as “last-minute administrative experiments.”
