“INEC in bed with APC?” — Barrister Darlington questions 2027 election credibility

A legal practitioner, Darlington Agomuo, has accused the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) of partisanship, alleging the electoral body is shielding the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) from scrutiny ahead of the 2027 elections.

Speaking during the Frontpage review programme on VOP 90.3 FM in Lagos, Mr Agomuo claimed the commission’s silence on early campaigning raises serious questions about its neutrality.

“This INEC Chairman is in bed with APC… why is APC campaigning all over the country? Have you heard him say a word?” Mr Agomuo said.

The remarks come amid rising political tension and early mobilisation ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Debates around electoral integrity, institutional independence, and legal reforms have intensified as stakeholders question the readiness of Nigeria’s democratic structures.

“Institutional bedsharing” allegation

Mr Agomuo did not hold back, accusing INEC leadership of deliberately ignoring what he described as “blatant violations” of the Electoral Act by the ruling party.

He questioned why the APC’s nationwide political activities have not attracted sanctions or warnings from the electoral umpire.

He argued that such silence undermines public confidence and discourages political participation, especially among young voters.

Electoral Act under fire: “Rubbish laws?”

In a broader critique, Mr Agomuo also aimed at controversial provisions within the Electoral Act, particularly Section 138, which he described as enabling unqualified individuals to contest elections.

He argued that the law has lowered the standards of leadership, allowing money and loopholes to override competence and integrity.

“Look at Section 138… it is rubbish. It has become a celebration for people to bypass education and contest,” he said.

Mr Agomuo called for a “forensic review” of the law, warning that flawed legal frameworks could compromise the credibility of the 2027 elections before they even begin.

Opposition crisis deepens

Agomuo also criticised the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), describing its ongoing reconciliation efforts as “selfish” and ineffective.

He referenced internal divisions, particularly involving figures such as the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory of Nigeria, Nyesom Wike. He argued that the party remains too fractured to present a credible alternative.

The analyst warned that opposition activities are increasingly being disrupted, while ruling party events proceed freely—raising concerns about fairness and equal political space.

According to Mr Agomuo, perceived bias in electoral institutions could further discourage youth participation, deepening apathy and weakening democracy.

If such allegations gain traction, they could erode trust in INEC and fuel demands for electoral reforms.

They also risk deepening political polarisation and reinforcing perceptions of a tilted playing field.

Observers say how the commission responds to these criticisms could shape public confidence heading into 2027.