The presidential candidate of the Social Democratic Party (SDP), Prince Adewole Adebayo, has cautioned the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) against technical failures during the 2027 general elections, insisting that Nigerians must not allow electoral malpractice to undermine their democratic rights.
Adebayo made the call in his Independence Day message to Nigerians on Wednesday, September 30, 2026, urging citizens to reject election rigging, vote buying and other forms of electoral corruption.
In a statement signed by the Head of the Directorate of Media and Communications of the Adewole Adebayo-Bugaje Presidential Campaign, Comrade Mark Adebayo, the SDP candidate stressed that credible elections remain fundamental to achieving accountable leadership and good governance.
He warned that any technical glitches or irregularities capable of compromising the integrity of the 2027 polls must be prevented, urging INEC to take necessary measures to ensure a transparent and credible electoral process.
Adebayo argued that electoral corruption poses a serious threat to Nigeria’s democracy, maintaining that the manipulation of election results deprives citizens of their right to freely choose their leaders.
He said, “History has shown us that when you steal the vote, you steal the destiny of the nation. Election rigging is not a victimless political game. It is a violent assault on the sovereignty of the citizens.”
The SDP presidential hopeful further linked electoral malpractice to poor governance, arguing that leaders who emerge through compromised elections may feel less accountable to the people.
He also criticised the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), accusing the administration of adopting what he described as an anti-democratic approach to governance.
Looking ahead to the 2027 elections, Adebayo urged Nigerians to remain vigilant, protect their votes and refuse to exchange their electoral rights for money or other inducements.
He also pledged that an SDP-led administration would tackle poverty and insecurity within four years if elected, promising to prioritise the welfare and development of Nigerians.
His remarks come as political parties and electoral stakeholders intensify preparations for the 2027 general elections, with concerns over voter apathy, vote buying, electoral transparency and public confidence in the electoral process remaining key issues ahead of the polls.
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