ADC-PCC Warns INEC Against APC Bias, Says PVC Collection More Important Than Registration Figures

By Ladan Muhammad

The African Democratic Congress Presidential Campaign Council (ADC-PCC) has urged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to remain neutral ahead of the 2027 general elections, warning against any action that could undermine the credibility of the electoral process.

The council said the success of the 2027 election would depend largely on INEC’s independence, transparency and ability to ensure that every eligible Nigerian can participate without administrative or political obstruction.

Reacting to INEC’s World Press Conference on Tuesday, the ADC-PCC said the commission should focus not only on voter-registration figures but also on ensuring that registered voters receive their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs).

In a statement signed by its Director of Media and Publicity, Kola Ologbondiyan, the council said impressive registration figures would have little value if eligible voters were unable to collect their PVCs before the election.

“Reading out figures of registration is nothing. What matters is the number of cards actually collected by Nigerians,” Ologbondiyan said, stressing that possession of a PVC is what enables a registered voter to exercise their franchise on election day.

The council expressed concern over alleged bureaucratic delays and bottlenecks at PVC collection centres, particularly in areas perceived as opposition strongholds. It called on INEC to prevent administrative challenges from disenfranchising eligible voters.

The ADC-PCC also appealed to INEC Chairman, Prof. Joash Amupitan, to decentralise PVC collection to the ward level, extend collection hours and deploy technology to notify voters when their cards are ready.

Ologbondiyan further urged INEC to resist pressure from the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and maintain its independence throughout the electoral process.

“INEC must remain an unbiased umpire and not operate as an extension of the ruling party,” he said.

The council said it would demand strict compliance with the Constitution and Electoral Act from voter registration through the declaration of results.

It also warned that any attempt to manipulate the 2027 election or create unequal access to PVCs would face lawful resistance, saying Nigerians and the international community were closely monitoring INEC’s preparations.

The ADC-PCC urged Nigerians, especially first-time voters, to remain engaged in the electoral process and ensure they collect their PVCs.

It said the ADC remained committed to an election in which all eligible citizens have equal opportunity to vote and every legitimate vote is counted.