Okonkwo Accuses Tinubu of Defending INEC Amid 2027 Election Concerns

A chieftain of the African Democratic Congress, Kenneth Okonkwo, has accused President Bola Tinubu of defending the Independent National Electoral Commission against legitimate concerns over its neutrality ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Okonkwo, who is also spokesperson to former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, made the claim on Channels Television’s Sunrise Daily on Friday while reacting to Tinubu’s recent comments that INEC remains neutral.

The ADC chieftain argued that the electoral commission has not done enough to earn public confidence, citing unresolved issues surrounding the 2023 general election, including the technical challenges experienced during the polls.

“It is very sad. Any country that has the president of a country who has morphed into the chief spokesperson of INEC is in trouble,” Okonkwo said.

He questioned why the president would publicly defend the electoral body, recalling that political actors, including Tinubu’s allies, had previously raised concerns about INEC’s conduct during past elections.

Okonkwo said the commission must demonstrate independence by ensuring that all political parties are treated fairly ahead of the 2027 elections.

His comments come after Tinubu, while receiving members of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria at the State House, Abuja, dismissed concerns about INEC’s impartiality, saying the commission remains neutral.

Beyond the electoral commission, Okonkwo also criticised the Tinubu administration’s performance, pointing to insecurity and economic hardship as reasons he believes the president may struggle to secure another term.

He urged the president not to contest the 2027 election, alleging that Nigerians are dissatisfied with the current state of the country.

Okonkwo also spoke on the ADC’s recent legal victory at the Court of Appeal, which overturned an earlier judgment directing INEC to deregister the party.

He accused the ruling All Progressives Congress of attempting to weaken opposition parties ahead of the next election cycle, a claim the party has not accepted.