The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has criticised the Federal Government over the deployment of security operatives and armoured vehicles at the headquarters of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Abuja.
Reacting on Thursday, the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, questioned the government’s priorities, particularly in light of ongoing security challenges across the country.
“This government did not deploy armoured tanks to protect the people of Plateau State earlier this week. They did not deploy them to confront the bandits that they call ‘prodigal sons’ and ‘brothers.’ But they deployed tanks at INEC headquarters in Abuja this morning, to protect themselves from peaceful everyday Nigerians. Show me your priorities, and I will show you who you are,” Abdullahi wrote on X.
The criticism comes amid heightened tensions following INEC’s derecognition of the ADC leadership linked to Senator David Mark and former Osun State Governor Rauf Aregbesola. The electoral commission had recently removed the names of key ADC leaders from its official records, citing court directives to maintain the “status quo” pending the resolution of ongoing leadership disputes.
Despite INEC’s stance, the ADC has confirmed that it will proceed with its planned party congresses and national convention, insisting that its operations and internal structures remain intact. Abdullahi stressed that the party remains committed to upholding democratic processes and ensuring that its leadership decisions are respected in line with legal and constitutional provisions.
The ADC’s condemnation of the deployment highlights growing concerns over the use of state security apparatus in politically sensitive situations, which the party argues undermines public confidence in government neutrality ahead of the 2027 general elections.
“Deploying armoured vehicles to INEC while citizens face insecurity elsewhere is a clear misalignment of priorities,” the statement added.
The party’s stance signals a continued pushback against what it perceives as attempts to intimidate opposition parties and influence the political landscape ahead of upcoming elections, underscoring the tensions between the ruling party, opposition platforms, and electoral institutions in Nigeria.
