ADC to INEC: Avoid partisan lecturers as returning officers in 2027 polls

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has urged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to review the appointment of politically exposed academics as Returning and Collation Officers for the 2027 general elections, warning that partisan affiliations could undermine confidence in the electoral process.

The ADC made the call in a statement signed by Bolaji Abdullahi, its National Publicity Secretary, on Monday, following reports that more than 600 senior lecturers from public universities across Northern Nigeria had endorsed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for the 2027 presidential election.

The party said the reported endorsements raised serious concerns about potential conflicts of interest, particularly because university lecturers and vice chancellors have routinely been appointed by INEC to collate election results and declare winners.