Farah Dagogo, former member of the House of Representatives from Rivers State and 2023 PDP governorship aspirant, has raised concerns about the independence of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) ahead of the 2027 general elections. Speaking in an interview, Dagogo, now a member of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), criticized INEC's decision to delist the Senator David Mark-led faction of the ADC from its portal, citing an "Order of the Court" as the reason. He argued that the move undermines opposition parties' ability to field candidates, suggesting it may benefit the ruling party. Dagogo pointed to the disarray within the PDP and struggles within the Labour Party as further weakening viable opposition ahead of 2027.
He also condemned INEC's announcement of a nationwide voter revalidation exercise nine months before the elections, noting that the Electoral Act 2026 does not require existing voters to revalidate. He warned the process could lead to mass disenfranchisement, particularly among marginalized groups, and increase voter apathy. According to Dagogo, such actions deviate from standard voter update procedures and shift responsibility from INEC to voters. He maintained that the ADC represents a growing alternative for Nigerians seeking change.
INEC's sudden push for voter revalidation nine months before an election — a process not mandated by law — looks less like administrative planning and more like tactical obstruction. Dagogo's warning about disenfranchisement hits harder when you consider that 100 million voters would have to act, not INEC. For ordinary Nigerians, especially in remote areas, this could mean being locked out of voting through no fault of their own. If INEC is allowing procedures to align too closely with ruling party interests, the 2027 election may be shaped long before ballots are cast.
