ADC Asks INEC to Clarify Allegations of Ethnic Bias in Staff Postings

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to explain allegations of ethnic bias in the redeployment of staff to key departments ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The party expressed concern over reports that some personnel from northern Nigeria working in sensitive departments, including Electoral Operations and Information and Communication Technology (ICT), had been transferred and replaced by officials from Lagos and other South-West states.

The ADC said the reported changes had raised questions about the criteria used by INEC to assign personnel to departments responsible for managing important aspects of the electoral process.

The party stressed that its concerns were not intended to establish wrongdoing without evidence. Instead, it called for a transparent explanation from the electoral commission to address the allegations and reassure Nigerians about the fairness of its internal processes.

ADC Demands Transparency

The opposition party urged INEC Chairman, Professor Joash Amupitan, to explain the reasons behind the reported staff changes and clarify the principles guiding postings to sensitive departments.

It maintained that appointments and redeployments within the commission should be based on clear professional standards and should not create the impression that ethnic or regional considerations influence administrative decisions.

The ADC also warned that unresolved concerns about the neutrality of electoral institutions could affect public confidence as political parties and stakeholders prepare for the 2027 general elections.

INEC’s response to the specific allegations was not established at the time of writing. The claims of ethnic bias remain allegations and have not been independently verified.

Monafrika’s Take

Trust in the electoral commission is essential to a credible democratic process. Allegations of ethnic bias in staff postings should therefore be addressed with facts, transparency and clear explanations.

INEC has an opportunity to reassure Nigerians by explaining its staff deployment procedures and the reasons for the reported changes. Equally, allegations of wrongdoing should be supported by evidence rather than assumptions.

As the 2027 elections approach, public confidence will depend not only on how elections are conducted but also on whether the institutions responsible for managing them are seen to operate fairly and impartially.