Ex-Minister Solomon Dalung Accuses Electoral Commission of Bias, Impunity, and Undermining Democracy Ahead of 2027

Former Minister of Youth and Sports, Solomon Dalung, has accused the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) of effectively acting like an opposition force against the African Democratic Congress (ADC), while also alleging widespread institutional impunity and disregard for court rulings.

Dalung, a prominent figure in the ADC, made the remarks during an interview on Trust TV’s Daily Politics on Friday, where he claimed that the electoral body has been inconsistent in its conduct and increasingly detached from legal boundaries.

He argued that rather than operating as a neutral umpire, INEC has allegedly positioned itself in a way that undermines opposition parties, particularly the ADC.

“The worst of all is when we had INEC now declaring itself as the main opposition against the ADC, even at a time when we have the highest number of people joining the party,” Dalung said.

He further alleged that INEC has been acting beyond its constitutional mandate, describing its conduct as reckless and lacking accountability.

“INEC is the opposition party in Nigeria because it is the only institution that has failed to act within the confines of the law. It behaves with impunity and recklessness,” he stated.

Dalung also questioned the legal basis of some of the commission’s actions, insisting that its powers appear to be exercised without clear justification or restraint.

“As I sit as a lawyer, I still cannot find where INEC derives the powers it exercises without remorse. It continues to act as if it has the moral high ground,” he added.

He further referenced a court ruling involving the suspension of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) National Secretary, Samuel Anyanwu, alleging that INEC has refused to comply with judicial directives.

“There was a court verdict confirming the suspension of PDP’s Samuel Anyanwu, but INEC refused to obey that court order,” Dalung claimed.