The Movement for Credible Elections (MCE) has condemned the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) over its withdrawal of recognition of the leadership of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), alleging a deliberate attempt to weaken opposition parties ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The group also announced plans to embark on nationwide protests, rallies and town hall meetings across the country to mobilise citizens against what it described as threats to democratic governance and electoral credibility.

MCE made its position known on Thursday during a briefing in Lagos, where it accused the electoral body of actions capable of undermining Nigeria’s multiparty democracy.

A chieftain of the group, Pat Utomi alleged that recent decisions by INEC suggested an emerging alignment between the commission, elements within the judiciary and the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), which it claimed could exclude legitimate presidential aspirants and opposition parties from participating fully in the forthcoming elections.

The organisation specifically criticised INEC’s decision to withdraw recognition of the ADC leadership led by former Senate President David Mark as chairman and former Osun State Governor Rauf Aregbesola as secretary.

MCE argued that the commission’s action, reportedly based on a Court of Appeal order directing parties to maintain the status quo within the party, was wrongly interpreted and implemented.

According to the group, INEC’s decision to stop recognising communications from the party and decline monitoring its scheduled congresses beginning April 7 could adversely affect aspirants preparing for the 2027 polls.

MCE further alleged that similar developments had previously affected other opposition parties, including the Labour Party and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), describing the trend as part of a broader effort to weaken opposition platforms.

The organisation warned that such actions could erode public confidence in the electoral process if not addressed, insisting that INEC must demonstrate independence and impartiality in the discharge of its constitutional responsibilities.

Providing details of its planned mobilisation, MCE said zonal rallies would commence in the North-East on April 9 in Gombe, followed by the North-West on April 13 in Sokoto or Kano; the North-Central on April 15 in Jos; the South-South on April 17 in Calabar or Warri; the South-East on April 21 in Enugu or Anambra; and the South-West on April 24 in Ibadan or Lagos. A national rally is scheduled to hold in Abuja on April 27.

The group also called for comprehensive electoral reforms to guarantee free, fair and credible elections in 2027 and demanded the resignation of the current INEC leadership, accusing the commission of compromising its neutrality.

He said: “The MCE therefore makes bold to alert Nigerians once again that this mindless assault by INEC in Connivance with the APC is aimed excluding other political parties from the 2027 General Elections! INEC as presently constituted has shown that it is anything but Independent. It is but a gang of Electoral Bandits, whose sole mandate is to make Bola Ahmed Tinubu the sole Presidential Contestant in the 2027 elections

“However, as the vanguard of the popular aspiration of Nigerians for credible elections in 2027, the MCE will be launching a nationwide mobilization for a well coordinated mass resistance to the growing despotism and electoral conspiracy against the Nigerian people.”