ADC Welcomes INEC’s 2027 Election Timetable, Urges Clarity on Result Transmission

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has welcomed the Independent National Electoral Commission’s (INEC) release of the timetable for the 2027 general elections, while stressing that the credibility of the polls will depend heavily on transparent procedures, particularly the real-time electronic transmission of results.

In a statement issued Friday, the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, acknowledged the early release of the schedule as a positive step toward democratic preparation.

“We welcome the early release of the timetable, which provides political parties, stakeholders and the Nigerian electorate with the needed clarity for long-term planning and democratic preparation,” Abdullahi said.

According to the schedule released by INEC, party primaries for the nomination of candidates are set to hold between May 22 and June 20, 2026. Presidential and National Assembly elections are slated for February 20, 2027, while governorship and state assembly polls will follow on March 6, 2027.

However, the ADC emphasized that meeting deadlines alone would not guarantee electoral integrity.

“The credibility of the 2027 general elections will ultimately not be judged by the timeliness of the timetable alone, but by the commission’s demonstrable commitment to transparency, technological integrity and strict adherence to due process throughout the electoral cycle,” the statement read.

Electronic Transmission Concerns

The party highlighted the critical issue of real-time electronic transmission of results, noting that while INEC has affirmed its technological capacity, the current Electoral Act still leaves procedural discretion in areas affecting public confidence.

“Of particular importance is the question of real-time electronic transmission of results. While the commission has indicated that it will operate within the ambit of the law, the current Electoral Act still leaves procedural discretion in critical areas that directly affect public confidence,” Abdullahi stated.

The party referenced recent comments by the INEC Chairman acknowledging the commission’s capacity to deploy electronic transmission technology in elections.

Call for Legislative Action

The ADC renewed its appeal to the National Assembly to enact binding legislation that would remove ambiguity surrounding electronic result transmission and strengthen the legal framework for transparent elections.

“ADC therefore urges INEC to provide early and unambiguous clarity to Nigerians on its readiness to adopt real-time electronic transmission of results should the necessary legal amendments be enacted,” the party said.

The opposition party also called on the electoral commission to outline specific safeguards, both manual and electronic, to protect the integrity of results management and prevent a recurrence of irregularities observed in recent off-cycle elections.

“Nigerians have shown, time and again, that they are ready to defend the sanctity of their votes,” Abdullahi said. “What is now required is for the electoral umpire to match that civic vigilance with institutional clarity, operational transparency and administrative excellence.”