A former federal lawmaker in Abia State, Chief Uko Nkole, has charged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to ensure credible elections in 2027. Nkole represented Arochukwu/Ohafia Federal Constituency from 2015 to 2023 on the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) platform. He is now the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) candidate for Abia North Senatorial District.
Nigeria’s 2023 elections drew widespread criticism. Observers noted logistical failures, result transmission problems and violence. INEC promised reforms. In 2024 and 2025, the commission conducted off-cycle elections with mixed results. The 2027 general election will test whether those reforms have worked. Nkole’s call reflects widespread anxiety about INEC’s capacity.
Nkole said INEC should do everything within its statutory responsibility to ensure transparency. “Nigerians are not ready to accept anything short of free, fair and credible elections,” he said. He urged the commission to learn from the gaps of 2023. He said INEC should have conducted a postmortem by now. Nigerians deserve to know what went wrong and what has been fixed.
Nkole described the NDC as Nigeria's youngest and fastest-growing political party. He said its prominence peaked with the emergence of Peter Obi as its presidential candidate for 2027. He said the party screens aspirants carefully to ensure capacity and stability. He explained why the party’s governorship candidate in Abia appears less visible. He said the party is adhering strictly to electoral laws to avoid litigation.
On his Senate ambition, Nkole said he wants to expand his “Midas touch.” He said his footprints in Arochukwu/Ohafia remain unmatched. He said most of his signature federal projects have remained stagnant since he left office. He promised to bring electricity to larger communities in Abia North. He decried the deplorable state of federal roads in the area. He promised to facilitate vertical transfer of service for Abia North civil servants.
Winners: Nkole, who gains visibility. The NDC, which gains a platform. INEC, if it heeds the call. Losers: INEC, if it fails to reform. Voters, if elections are not credible. Other parties, if the NDC gains ground. The PDP, which lost Nkole to the NDC.
Bottom Line: A former lawmaker wants credible elections. INEC has promised reform. Nigerians are watching. The 2027 election will be the test. Nkole’s call is a reminder. It is not a guarantee.