BREAKING: Electoral Crisis Looms as Utomi Claims INEC–APC Alliance Aims to Silence Opposition

Political economist and civil society leader Prof. Pat Utomi, together with the Movement for Credible Elections (MCE), has raised alarm bells over what he describes as an orchestrated effort by Nigeria’s Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) to marginalise opposition parties as the 2027 general election approaches.

Speaking in Lagos, Utomi said the recent decision by INEC to withdraw recognition of the leadership of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) — including its chairman and secretary — appeared to be part of a broader strategy to weaken rival political forces.

He called the move “a coordinated assault on Nigeria’s democracy,” warning that the actions of state institutions risk undermining free and fair political competition in Africa’s most populous nation.

Utomi and the MCE argue that INEC’s reversal of ADC’s leadership recognition — reportedly linked to a court order on party internal affairs — could disenfranchise credible candidates and diminish multiparty participation nationwide.

The group also accused elements of the ruling party and state actors of manipulating democratic institutions to advance a narrow political agenda, a charge that adds to rising concerns about electoral integrity in the country.

In response, the MCE has announced plans for nationwide rallies and town hall meetings to rally citizens and international observers around calls for electoral reform and transparency.