The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has challenged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to explain its recent staff postings amid allegations that the redeployment of personnel to strategic departments may reflect ethnic bias.
The opposition party urged INEC to publish the affected postings, selection criteria and reasons for the changes, warning that any perception of sectional favouritism could undermine public confidence ahead of the 2027 general election.
In a statement on Sunday, ADC National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, said the party had received reports and direct complaints about personnel changes in some of the commission’s strategic departments and offices.
The party alleged that officers from northern states serving in Electoral Operations and Information and Communication Technology (ICT) departments were being moved out and replaced by personnel from Lagos and other South-West states.
“We have specific names of officers moved from Electoral Operations and ICT in a number of northern states and replaced with officers from Lagos and other South-West states,” Abdullahi said.
The ADC said the alleged pattern had raised questions about the considerations guiding appointments and redeployments to sensitive electoral positions.
It, however, said it was not accusing INEC of a deliberate plot, insisting that allegations suggesting ethnic favouritism should not be dismissed as routine administrative decisions.
The party warned that the handling of strategic operational appointments could fuel suspicions about the neutrality of electoral officials and the commission’s impartiality.
It also cautioned that any perception that the process was being tilted in favour of President Bola Tinubu and the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) could damage confidence in the 2027 elections.
The ADC called on INEC Chairman, Professor Joash Amupitan, to provide a transparent account of the recent postings and demonstrate that the decisions were based on objective administrative considerations.
According to the party, transparency is essential to reassure Nigerians that electoral personnel will perform their duties without favouring any ethnic group, region or political party.
“Allowing such allegations to go without a serious, evidence-based rebuttal could have serious implications for the integrity of the elections,” the ADC warned.
The allegations have not been independently verified. INEC’s response to the claims was not included in the statement provided.