The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has condemned Saturday’s by-elections across Nigeria, describing the process as a stark indication that democracy is deteriorating under President Bola Tinubu’s leadership.
On Saturday, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) conducted by-elections in 16 constituencies spread over 12 states. However, the ADC’s interim national publicity secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, accused the electoral exercise of being marred by widespread violence, vote-buying, manipulation, and administrative failures.
“These by-elections were riddled with violence, electoral malpractices, and other glaring irregularities,” Abdullahi said in a statement on Sunday.
“This exercise appears to be a dress rehearsal for the 2027 general elections a demonstration of how far the system has been corrupted against the will of the people.”
Opposition Strength Overshadowed by Systemic Flaws
While the ADC acknowledged that it did not field candidates in most of the contested seats, Abdullahi stressed that the party’s underperformance should not be interpreted as a reflection of the opposition’s strength. Rather, it reveals a deeply compromised electoral system.
The party called on INEC to thoroughly investigate the reported irregularities and hold any compromised officials accountable.
“We urge INEC to sanction those responsible for undermining the electoral process,” Abdullahi said.
A Call for Leadership and Accountability
The ADC also appealed directly to President Tinubu to rise above partisan politics and ensure that future elections allow Nigerians to vote freely and safely.
“What Nigerians witnessed in these by-elections is a chilling reminder that democracy like the economy and national security continues to erode under the current administration,” the statement read.
Erosion of Democratic Institutions
The ADC highlighted how rampant violence, the blatant exchange of ballots for money, exclusion of opposition candidates without explanation, and complicity of democratic institutions have rendered the votes of ordinary Nigerians meaningless.
“If INEC cannot safeguard the integrity of even by-elections, its readiness for the general elections remains deeply questionable,” Abdullahi added.
International Community Urged to Take Notice
The party further urged Nigeria’s democratic partners and international election observers to take decisive action rather than remain silent.
“Silence in the face of such blatant subversion of democratic norms will only encourage those who thrive on this chaos. Nigeria’s democracy is too vital to Africa and the world to be allowed to collapse under the weight of impunity.”
