By Adesakin Adefemi
Vice-President Kashim Shettima has criticized the African Democratic Congress (ADC) for allegedly flooding its online membership registration portal with fake identities, contrasting the party’s earlier push for electronic transmission of election results.
Shettima made the remarks at an interfaith breaking of fast attended by federal ministers and hosted by President Bola Tinubu, where he also taunted the opposition platform over its sudden U-turn on electoral transparency.
The ADC had commenced online membership registration across the country ahead of the 2027 general election, in adherence to the amended Electoral Act, but Shettima claimed the exercise was overwhelmed by fictitious names.
“You and I know that, as Winston Churchill once said, ‘truth is so precious that it must be surrounded by a bodyguard of lies’. Lies, lies, lies — that is what is driving the opposition in this country,” Shettima said, accusing the ADC of spreading misinformation.
The vice-president urged political officeholders to defend the policies and achievements of the government as electioneering season approaches, emphasizing that the ruling party is now in a stronger political position than it was during the 2023 elections.
Shettima dismissed claims that governors were being pressured to join the ruling party, saying nobody is coercing them and that they are joining of their own volition.
The ADC’s membership registration and revalidation exercise has been marred by controversy, with Shettima’s comments likely to escalate tensions ahead of the 2027 polls.
The ruling party’s stance on electoral transparency has been a subject of debate, with critics arguing that electronic transmission of results is crucial for ensuring credible elections.
Shettima’s comments come amid heightened security concerns and opposition demands for electoral reforms, with the ADC pushing for institutional changes to guarantee fair play.
As Nigeria hurtles towards the 2027 general election, Shettima’s remarks underscore the polarized nature of the country’s politics and the challenges ahead for electoral stakeholders.
