The African Democratic Congress has alleged that key democratic institutions are losing their independence under the President Bola Tinubu administration, with the Independent National Electoral Commission and the Nigeria Police Force being dragged into partisan activities ahead of the 2027 elections.

In a statement on Thursday, ADC National Publicity Secretary, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, said the boundary between the Nigerian state and the ruling All Progressives Congress was fast disappearing.

The party cited two developments: reports that INEC may engage a faction of the National Union of Road Transport Workers linked to MC Oluomo for election logistics, and the reported presence of Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Tijani Fatai, at the launch of the pro-Tinubu City Boy Movement.

“There are no longer any discernible boundaries between the Nigerian state and the ruling APC. Political actors are openly infiltrating state institutions, while heads of security units who should statutorily maintain neutrality are shamelessly turning into political cheerleaders,” Abdullahi said.

The ADC said if INEC uses a transport union with known political affiliations to move personnel and sensitive materials, it would erode public trust in the electoral process.

“INEC’s credibility depends not only on conducting free and fair elections but also on inspiring confidence among all political stakeholders,” the party stated. It urged INEC Chairman, Prof. Joash Amupitan, to clarify any dealings with the NURTW faction and ensure logistics contracts are not used for political patronage.

The opposition also condemned the Lagos police commissioner’s appearance at a political gathering, arguing that it violates the constitutional requirement for security agencies to remain neutral.

“The Nigeria Police Force belongs to the Nigerian people, not to any political party. Senior police officers must not only remain impartial, they must also be seen to be impartial,” Abdullahi said.

The ADC called on the Inspector-General of Police to state whether Fatai’s attendance was authorised. It added that if it was not approved, disciplinary action should follow. If it was approved, the IGP should grant the same access to senior officers invited to opposition events.

In a symbolic move, the party said it would formally invite the IGP and the FCT Commissioner of Police to its next Abuja event “in the interest of fairness and equity.”

The party also said it would write to INEC for details on the reported logistics arrangement.

The allegations come as political mobilisation intensifies ahead of 2027. President Tinubu was also quoted recently as saying “all is fair in war,” a remark the ADC said had increased public anxiety about the polls.

As of press time, INEC and the Nigeria Police Force had not responded to the claims. Both institutions have repeatedly pledged to remain independent and neutral during elections.

Source: Punch news.