A pro-democracy group on the aiges of Democratic Integrity Forum (DIF) has said the just concluded governorship election in Ekiti state exposed the partiality of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and the danger ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The group called on Civic Society Organisations, international communities and all lovers of democracy to insist that INEC uphold its constitutional mandate of impartiality in the future elections.
In a statement signed and released Monday in Abuja by it National Coordinator, Barrister Godwin Omini, said the developments in the said Ekiti governorship election raise profound questions about the Commission’s ability to serve as an impartial umpire in future elections, particularly the 2027 general elections.
“The weekend’s off-season governorship election in Ekiti state has once again brought to the fore serious concerns about the conduct and neutrality of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
“Indications emerged that INEC officials allegedly colluded with the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) by facilitating the transfer of approximately 400,000 uncollected Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) to the ruling party.
“These cards were reportedly distributed to non-indigenes in a manner that compromised the electoral process and undermined the will of genuine voters in Ekiti State.
“This alleged collaboration points to a troubling pattern of partiality that erodes public confidence in Nigeria’s electoral system.
“Compounding these concerns is the recent disclosure by an agent of the APC establishment, Mr. Lere Olayinka, regarding an aspirant of the National Democratic Congress (NDC).
“The information shared suggested that sensitive voter data may have been accessed through allies within INEC. Such access by government officials or party agents to biometric and personal data of citizens ahead of elections poses a direct threat to the integrity, confidentiality, and security of the electoral process.
“When political parties or government officials are able to obtain voter registers, polling unit data, or other sensitive electoral information from INEC ahead of polls, it creates an uneven playing field.
“This not only enables targeted manipulation, voter suppression, or inducement but also compromises the secrecy and sanctity of the ballot. The people of Nigeria deserve an electoral body that is truly independent, transparent, and insulated from partisan influence.
“These incidents from the Ekiti election are not isolated. They reflect deeper systemic vulnerabilities that, if left unaddressed, could fatally undermine the credibility of the 2027 general elections.”
While calling for vigilance, the group said Nigerians across party lines must demand immediate and thorough investigations into these allegations.
“INEC must demonstrate accountability by conducting a full audit of voter data access and PVC distribution in Ekiti State and prosecuting any officials found complicit in partisan activities.
“INEC must also strengthen data protection protocols to prevent unauthorised access and reassure the public through transparent reforms that ensure free, fair, and credible elections.
The credibility of our democracy hangs in the balance.
“We call on civil society organisations, the international community, the media, and all well-meaning Nigerians to join in insisting that INEC upholds its constitutional mandate without fear or favour.
“Anything less will further erode trust in the electoral process and jeopardise the stability of our nation.”