The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has ruled out boycotting the 2027 general elections, despite what it described as provocative administrative decisions by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Rivers State.
The party, however, warned that it would resist any action it believes could undermine the credibility of the elections or prevent the people from freely choosing their leaders.
The Rivers State Publicity Secretary of ADC, Chizy Enyi, stated this on Thursday in Port Harcourt, saying the party remained committed to participating in the electoral process while standing against any alleged illegality, intimidation or manipulation.
Enyi said, “We will not boycott the 2027 polls despite INEC’s provocations. We are fully ready to resist any form of illegality at the polls to ensure the will of the people is not subverted by INEC or any political grouping, or the Rainbow Coalition.”
The party’s concerns, according to Enyi, were heightened by recent administrative changes within INEC, particularly the redeployment of electoral officers across local government areas in Rivers State.
He alleged that seven electoral officers previously posted to the state had been redeployed, describing the development as one that required a clear explanation from the electoral commission.
Enyi further claimed that the party had received reports suggesting that some of the affected officials may have been moved because they were perceived as unwilling to compromise their professional independence.
“Information available to us indicates that seven electoral officers previously serving in Rivers State have been redeployed. We have received disturbing reports suggesting some of these officers were targeted because they were perceived as unwilling to compromise their professional independence,” he said.
The ADC spokesman also called on INEC to clarify allegations of political interference in its deployment process, particularly claims concerning the commission’s alleged relationship with the Rainbow Coalition.
He urged INEC to confirm or deny reports about attempts by individuals or political interests to influence electoral operations in sensitive areas, including the Obio/Akpor Local Government Area.
Enyi stressed that the party was not presenting the allegations as established facts but insisted that the electoral commission had a responsibility to provide transparent answers to concerns capable of affecting public confidence in the electoral process.
He also warned against statements by influential politicians that could create the impression that the outcome of the 2027 elections had already been determined.
The ADC further called for transparency in the recruitment and deployment of ad hoc election personnel, cautioning against alleged partisan efforts to influence the selection of officials who would handle sensitive polling duties.
“Electoral officers are not the property of any political party, coalition, or government official; they must answer only to the Constitution and the lawful authority of INEC.
“We are not presenting these allegations as established facts, but we are demanding that INEC confirm or deny them transparently, because Rivers people deserve clear answers.
“Elections are not won by proclamation, political connections, or controlling electoral personnel; they are won by the legitimate votes of the people,” Enyi said.
The party urged civil society organisations, the media and election observers to closely monitor preparations for the 2027 elections, insisting that neutrality, transparency and accountability would be crucial to ensuring a credible electoral process.