ADC raises ethnic bias concerns over INEC postings

…Demands disclosure of deployment criteria

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has asked the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to explain allegations of ethnic bias in recent personnel postings, warning that perceived regional favouritism in strategic departments could undermine confidence in the 2027 general elections.

Bolaji Abdullahi, national publicity secretary of the ADC, said on Sunday in a statement that the party had received intelligence and direct complaints alleging that northern officials serving in sensitive departments, including Electoral Operations and Information and Communication Technology (ICT), were being transferred and replaced by officers from Lagos and other South-West states.

“We have specific names of officers moved from Electoral Operations and ICT in a number of northern states and replaced with officers from Lagos and other South-West states. INEC may dismiss this as routine. But we have noticed a pattern, especially along ethnic lines, and we are concerned,” Abdullahi said.

The party, however, said it was not yet accusing the commission of deliberate wrongdoing but insisted that allegations capable of raising doubts about its impartiality required a transparent response.

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“Concentrating strategic operational appointments in a manner that suggests ethnic or sectional bias to give an advantage to President Tinubu and the APC must not be ignored,” the ADC said.

The opposition party urged Joash Amupitan, INEC chairman, to publish the recent postings, selection criteria and reasons for the changes to reassure Nigerians of equal treatment.

“Allowing such allegations to go without a serious, evidence-based rebuttal could have serious implications for the integrity of the elections,” the party warned.