PDP to INEC: Nigerians Won’t Accept Excuses in 2027 Elections

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to ensure strict compliance with the provisions of the Electoral Act 2022 in the conduct of the 2027 general elections. Specifically, the opposition party stressed that real-time electronic transmission of results from polling units must be guaranteed without failure.

Addressing journalists in Abuja, the PDP National Publicity Secretary, Mr. Debo Ologunagba, raised concerns over what he described as “institutional manipulation” of previous elections. He argued that excuses over technological failures would no longer be acceptable in 2027.

“There must be no glitches in 2027. If POS machines can work seamlessly in the remotest parts of this country, then INEC cannot claim that BVAS machines suddenly fail on election day. That would be deliberate, institutional manipulation, and Nigerians will not accept it,” Ologunagba said.

Technology and Transparency in Elections

The PDP spokesman emphasised that the technology and infrastructure required to ensure credible electronic transmission of results already exist, and faulted INEC for not fully deploying them in the 2023 polls.

According to him, Nigerians have access to financial services such as ATMs and POS machines without interruption, which makes it difficult to justify alleged failures of INEC’s devices. “This cannot be a coincidence; it is a calculated effort to subvert the will of the people,” he said.

Ologunagba added that the PDP would lead efforts to defend democracy and ensure that voters’ decisions are accurately reflected in the final outcome of elections. “Votes must count and be counted. The only way democracy can thrive is for INEC to guarantee real-time transmission of results to prevent manipulation. Any attempt to abridge Nigerians’ rights will be firmly resisted by our party and the Nigerian people,” he declared.

PDP Criticism of APC’s Early Campaigning

Beyond electoral transparency, Ologunagba criticised the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) for what he described as premature political campaigns and endorsement rallies. He accused the APC of neglecting governance while focusing on early electioneering less than two years before the next polls.

“The APC is panicking over the PDP’s resurgence and is resorting to endorsement shopping to create an illusion of popularity,” Ologunagba stated. He argued that true endorsement should come from good governance, not public declarations.

He further faulted the APC-led administration for policies that, in his view, burden Nigerians. “Nigerians cannot feed their families or afford basic necessities, yet this government continues to impose policies like the proposed five per cent tax on petroleum products. That is not governance; it is punishment,” he said.

Ologunagba concluded by urging INEC to resist political pressure and commit fully to its constitutional role of ensuring free, fair, and transparent elections.