Former member of the House of Representatives, Usman Bugaje, has urged the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, to remain neutral and act strictly as a regulator ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Bugaje stated this while speaking on Channels Television’s Politics Today programme, warning that any form of interference by the electoral body could undermine the credibility of Nigeria’s democracy.
According to him, INEC must be transparent, independent and impartial in carrying out its constitutional responsibilities.
“INEC must be seen to be transparent, must be seen to be independent, must be seen to be a regulator, not a stakeholder,” he said.
The former lawmaker also accused the government of allegedly working with INEC to weaken opposition political parties ahead of the 2027 polls.
“The government is working with INEC to sabotage opposition political parties. You have seen what has happened to the PDP, Labour Party, SDP, and other smaller parties, even the PRP,” Bugaje alleged.
He expressed concern over the credibility of the electoral process, warning that public confidence in democracy could be eroded if electoral institutions are perceived as partisan.
Bugaje’s remarks come amid growing political tensions and internal crises within several opposition parties ahead of the next general election cycle.
