2027 election: Adamu Adamu sends important message to INEC

A legal practitioner and human rights advocate, Adamu Kabiru Adamu, Esq., has issued an appeal to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), urging the electoral body to immediately implement sweeping reforms aimed at restoring credibility and public confidence in Nigeria’s democratic process.

In a press release made available to the media, Adamu emphasized his role as a legal practitioner, human rights activist, and concerned Nigerian citizen, highlighting the growing disenchantment among the electorate due to persistent electoral irregularities.

Adamu’s call comes in the wake of widespread criticism following recent election cycles, which many Nigerians believe were marred by irregularities and logistical failures. He noted that such failures have continued to erode the public’s trust in the democratic process.

“In recent election cycles, we are all aware that Nigerians have observed serious challenges that continue to undermine public confidence in the electoral process. These include: widespread electoral malpractice and rigging; inconsistent application of technology such as BVAS and the IReV portal; delayed or manipulated transmission of results; violence and intimidation at polling units; inadequate voter education and voter suppression; and weak enforcement of electoral guidelines,” he observed.

Adamu outlined a comprehensive list of reform demands aimed at addressing these systemic failures. These include mandatory use and real-time transmission of results through the IReV portal, improved logistics, enhanced security coordination at polling units, and continuous voter registration, especially for underserved populations.

“Guarantee the electronic transmission of results from all polling units without exception, as provided under the Electoral Act,” he demanded. He further urged INEC to “invest in sustained and grassroots-level civic education campaigns to encourage voter participation and understanding of electoral procedures.”

Highlighting the urgency of the reforms, Adamu also stressed the need for INEC to enforce electoral guidelines strictly, particularly as they pertain to political parties, noting rampant vote-buying, hate speech, and breaches of campaign finance laws.

“Hold parties accountable for violating electoral rules, including vote-buying, hate speech, and breach of campaign finance regulations,” he insisted.

Adamu also advocated for greater transparency and independence within INEC itself. He called for the commission to be more open in its operations and to strengthen internal mechanisms that ensure impartiality.

“Make INEC’s operations fully transparent and strengthen internal mechanisms that ensure the Commission’s impartiality and independence,” he advised.

In concluding his statement, Adamu issued a moral challenge to INEC, reminding the commission of its constitutional duty to safeguard democracy in Nigeria.

“Nigerians deserve an electoral process that is free, fair, credible, and peaceful. These reforms are not only necessary—they are urgent. INEC, as the constitutional umpire of elections in Nigeria, has both the mandate and the moral responsibility to act decisively in restoring public confidence in our democratic system,” he declared.

He ended with an expression of hope: “I thank you in anticipation of your urgent attention to this petition.”

Adamu’s intervention adds to the growing chorus of voices demanding systemic changes to Nigeria’s electoral architecture, as the nation gears up for future elections. Observers say INEC’s response in the coming months will be pivotal in determining the direction of the country’s democratic future.