Thursday, June 4, 2026

The Sun Nigeria

Constitution, not INEC, responsible for Nigeria’s electoral woes -ADP

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From Okwe Obi, Abuja

The Action Democratic Party (ADP) has argued that Nigeria’s constitution is responsible for the electoral woes it is experiencing and not the Independent National Electoral  Commission (INEC).

ADP national chairman, Yabaji Sani, who stated this yesterday, at the commencement of the party’s National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting and INEC verification exercise, in Abuja, said allegations of bias by a section of opposition parties amounted to them chasing shadows.

He said: “We created the system that produced INEC, just like the police, judiciary and the National Assembly. The issue is not INEC.”

Sani, therefore, called for constitutional reforms to ensure greater independence of electoral institutions, particularly in the appointment of INEC leadership.

“The Constitution needs to be amended so that no single individual has the power to appoint the person who chairs INEC. Not just Bola Tinubu, any leader in that position could abuse such powers,” he added.

Sani, who described politics as inherently complex and open to all aspirants keen on actualising their aspirations, stressed that the ADP does not operate a zoning system. He said the party was focused on competence rather than ethnicity, religion or regional considerations.

He maintained that the party had moved beyond primordial sentiments in selecting candidates, noting that the key consideration should be whether aspirants can deliver democratic dividends to Nigerians.

In addition, he accused the administration of Bola Tinubu of entrenching nepotism, warning against concentrating power within a narrow circle and stressing that Nigeria must be governed inclusively.

On preparations for the 2027 elections, Yabagi said the party would adopt a consensus-based approach for its primaries, anchored on unity, discipline and internal cohesion.

He expressed confidence that the ADP is well-positioned to win the 2027 poll, emphasising that unity remains the foundation of the party’s strength.

Addressing broader national challenges, Yabagi pointed to economic hardship and governance issues, assuring Nigerians that the ADP was committed to offering viable solutions and advancing the national interest.