Prince Adewole Adebayo of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) has raised fresh concerns over the capacity and willingness of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to deliver credible elections in 2027, warning that Nigeria may have already missed critical opportunities to guarantee free and fair polls.
In an interview, Adebayo shifted attention away from ongoing opposition coalition talks, arguing that the more fundamental challenge lies in what he described as structural weaknesses in the electoral system, particularly questions around INEC’s independence.
“I don’t think they are aiming towards that,” he said, responding to questions about the commission’s preparedness. “The person who is not willing to work will not be productive.”
He faulted the process of appointing INEC leadership, noting that the commission’s chairman emerges through presidential nomination, with confirmation by the Council of State and the National Assembly—an arrangement he argued undermines institutional neutrality.
Adebayo also criticised what he called selective outrage over the commission’s leadership, saying many of those now questioning INEC had previously endorsed the same appointment. According to him, such shifting positions reflect political expediency rather than a principled commitment to electoral reform.
The SDP chieftain traced Nigeria’s electoral challenges to what he described as missed reform opportunities, citing the recommendations of the Justice Mohammed Uwais-led electoral reform panel. He argued that successive administrations failed to implement key proposals because flawed elections served the interests of the political elite at the time.
“A lot of opportunities for free, fair and credible elections have been lost,” he said, adding that those who once benefited from the system are now increasingly disadvantaged by it.
In a notable departure from conventional expectations, Adebayo suggested that responsibility for ensuring credible elections may now rest more with political actors, voters, the media and security agencies than with the electoral body itself. “The only people left who can ensure free, fair and credible elections are the politicians, the media, the voters and law enforcement,” he said.
He further alleged that the current administration lacks the political will to strengthen democratic processes, arguing that there is little incentive for incumbents to pursue reforms that could dilute their advantage.
On the question of opposition alliances, Adebayo said the SDP is prioritising grassroots mobilisation over elite coalition-building. He disclosed that the party is recording steady growth across the country, particularly in underserved communities, with membership rising significantly in recent weeks.
He added that the party’s focus is on deepening voter engagement rather than inflating membership figures for regulatory purposes, stressing that meaningful participation is central to its long-term strategy.
While not ruling out future alliances, Adebayo maintained that any coalition must be driven by shared principles, including electoral integrity and governance reform, rather than short-term political calculations.
“Our objective is not just to remove a president,” he said. “It is to replace that system with one that represents genuine governance and accountability.”
His remarks come amid intensifying political activity ahead of the 2027 general elections, with debates increasingly extending beyond candidates and party alignments to the credibility of the electoral process itself.