Adebayo Urges Nigerians to Vote in 2027, Warns Against Boycotting Polls
Adewole Adebayo, the presidential candidate of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) in the 2023 general elections, has called on Nigerians to actively participate in the upcoming 2027 general elections and avoid boycotting the polls. Speaking during an interview on Eagle 102.5 FM in Abeokuta, Ogun State, Adebayo emphasized that abstaining from voting would inadvertently hand power to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
Criticism of Tinubu Administration and Call to Action
Adebayo criticized the President Bola Tinubu-led administration for failing to deliver on key election promises, including improvements in security, job creation, economic stability, and anti-corruption efforts. He urged citizens to exercise their constitutional right to vote, despite ongoing crises within opposition parties. "When citizens abstain from voting, it is not the politicians who lose; it is the people themselves," Adebayo stated. He highlighted the importance of voter participation in shaping the national conversation and rejecting calls for boycotts.
INEC Reports Significant Voter Registration Figures
Meanwhile, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has announced that it recorded 3,441,121 completed registrations in the second phase of the Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) exercise as of April 3. The data includes 2,068,384 online pre-registrations and 1,372,737 physical walk-ins. Key statistics from the update reveal:
- Jigawa State led with 201,047 registrations (5.84% of the total).
- Lagos State followed with 181,095 registrations.
- Kano State ranked third with 177,681 registrations.
- Youths aged 18-34 accounted for 2,354,768 registrations (68.43%).
- Females made up 1,922,143 registrants (55.86%), while males accounted for 1,518,978 (44.14%).
INEC Emphasizes Role of Broadcast Media in Elections
INEC Chairman Prof. Joash Amupitan addressed the 81st General Assembly of the Broadcasting Organisations of Nigeria (BON) in Abuja, stressing the critical role of broadcast media in ensuring electoral integrity. He urged broadcasters to maintain fairness, professionalism, and accuracy in their coverage, noting that the management of airwaves under the Electoral Act 2026 is vital for public trust and democratic outcomes. "Your airwaves have become the primary infrastructure of our democracy. If they are clear, the nation sees the truth; if they are clouded by misinformation, the sovereign will of the people is threatened," Amupitan warned.
U.S. Lobby Firm Plans Briefing on INEC Concerns
In a related development, the U.S. lobbying firm Von Batten-Montague-York, L.C. has stated it will brief congressional leadership and senior members of the U.S. National Security Council on alleged weaknesses in INEC's ability to safeguard credible elections. The firm expressed doubts about INEC's capacity to resist manipulation by political actors, citing issues observed during the 2023 Nigerian elections. It plans to recommend Global Magnitsky sanctions, including asset freezes, financial restrictions, and travel bans, against any Nigerian politicians or INEC officials involved in electoral rigging. The firm noted that unlike the previous administration, it expects President Donald Trump to take a more active stance against election undermining.
