Laja Adeoye, the All Progressives Movement's candidate for Lagos governor in 2027, has called on the Independent National Electoral Commission to stay neutral during the election, saying votes must actually count.
Adeoye made the call at an event in Lagos, stressing that the integrity of the electoral process depends on INEC's impartiality. He said the commission must resist pressure from any quarter and ensure that the will of the people prevails on election day. Without naming specific concerns, he warned that any attempt to compromise the process would undermine democratic principles.
The APM candidate's statement comes as political activities intensify ahead of the 2027 general elections. Several candidates across different parties have begun positioning themselves, and the Lagos governorship race is shaping up to be competitive. Adeoye told supporters and journalists that his party is confident it can win if the election is free and fair.
He also spoke about his plans for Lagos if elected, touching on infrastructure development, job creation, and improved public services. Adeoye said the state's potential remains largely untapped and that new leadership is needed to drive progress. He promised to prioritise the concerns of ordinary Lagosians and move away from what he described as business-as-usual politics.
The APM candidate's call for INEC neutrality reflects broader concerns about electoral credibility in Nigeria. Past elections have faced accusations of irregularities, and political parties routinely demand fairness from the electoral umpire. INEC has repeatedly assured Nigerians of its commitment to conducting credible elections.
Adeoye will face other candidates, including the ruling All Progressives Congress and the opposition Peoples Democratic Party, when voting takes place in 2027. Campaign activities will intensify in coming months as parties mobilise supporters and present their candidates to voters.
