The African Democratic Congress Presidential Campaign Council (ADC-PCC) has urged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to remain neutral and transparent ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The council also called on the electoral body to prioritise the collection of Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs), saying the number of registered voters would have little value if eligible citizens could not obtain their cards.

The ADC-PCC stated this in a statement issued on Wednesday by its Director of Media and Publicity, Kola Ologbondiyan, following INEC’s World Press Conference on Tuesday.

The council said its presidential candidate was ready for the 2027 election, provided the process was free, fair, credible and protected from violence and manipulation.

Ologbondiyan said INEC must demonstrate its independence by resisting any attempt by the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) to influence its decisions.

He argued that publishing voter registration figures would not be enough if registered voters were unable to collect their PVCs.

“Reading out figures of registration is nothing. What matters is the number of cards actually collected by Nigerians. What gives a citizen power on election day is not that his name is in a register somewhere, but that he has his PVC in his hand.”

The council raised concerns about alleged bureaucratic delays and difficulties at PVC collection centres, particularly in areas it described as opposition strongholds.

“We urge INEC to be independent and not take orders from the APC. INEC must remain an unbiased umpire and not operate as an extension of the ruling party,” Ologbondiyan said.

He said the ADC would demand compliance with the Constitution and Electoral Act throughout the electoral process.

“The ADC won’t allow anything short of compliance with our electoral laws. We demand full transparency, neutrality and strict adherence to due process from registration to declaration of results.”

The council also said it was monitoring INEC’s activities ahead of the election, adding that Nigerians and the international community were also watching the process.

“We are carefully watching every step of INEC. Nigerians and the international community do too. The Commission should stay neutral, as no institution should push Nigerians to the wall by compromising the electoral process,” he said.

Ologbondiyan further said the 2027 election was being viewed by some Nigerians as an opportunity to change the government through the ballot.

“Let it be clear to INEC that the 2027 general election is not business as usual. Nigerians have endured hardship, hunger and misgovernance under the APC. They see 2027 as an opportunity for a rescue mission.

“Any attempt to rig or tilt the process in favour of the ruling party will be met with lawful and resolute resistance from the people,” he stated.

The ADC-PCC also urged INEC Chairman, Prof. Joash Amupitan, to decentralise PVC collection to ward level, extend collection hours and use technology to alert voters when their cards are ready.

Ologbondiyan warned against unequal distribution or delayed release of PVCs, saying such actions could undermine public confidence in the electoral process.

“When INEC begins to take dictation from the ruling party, when PVCs are made available in APC strongholds and hidden in opposition areas, then democracy is under threat.

“INEC must not become a political party. It must not write its name in the black book of history as the Commission that set Nigeria ablaze because it chose to serve a party instead of the nation,” he said.

The council encouraged eligible Nigerians, especially first-time voters, to remain engaged and ensure they collect their PVCs.

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PRESS RELEASE

COA MEDIA ANNOUNCES PMYA @12 — THE STANDARD
Plateau Man of the Year Awards Enters Its 12th Edition with New Leadership Dialogue

Jos, Plateau State, Nigeria — October 2026

COA Media, organisers of the Plateau Man of the Year Awards (PMYA), announces the 12th edition of the annual awards, scheduled for Sunday, 10 January 2027, at Usiju World Event Centre, Jos, Plateau State.

The 12th edition will introduce the Plateau State Governorship Candidates’ Manifesto & Leadership Dialogue, adding an issue-based public conversation on the future of the state to the PMYA programme.

Established in 2014, PMYA has, for more than a decade, recognised individuals, institutions and organisations whose achievements, leadership, service and contributions have made a measurable difference in Plateau State and beyond.

The 12th edition carries the identity “PMYA @12 — THE STANDARD” and the theme:

“Leadership Beyond Politics: Building a Legacy for Future Generations.”

The edition reflects PMYA’s continued commitment to identifying genuine achievement, meaningful impact and responsible leadership while maintaining a credible record of those whose work contributes to the progress of Plateau State and beyond.

THE STANDARD

For PMYA @12, THE STANDARD represents a deliberate focus on merit, achievement, impact and the enduring value of service.

Since its establishment, PMYA has honoured hundreds of individuals and organisations across diverse sectors, documenting a broad range of contributions to Plateau State and beyond.

At the centre of the awards is the Plateau Man of the Year — Star Category, the highest honour presented by PMYA.

Previous Recipients

• Amb. Yahaya Kwande — 2015
• Sen. Simon Bako Lalong — 2016
• Dame Pauline Tallen, OFR — 2017
• Dr. Chris Kwaja — 2018
• Hon. Beni B. Lar — 2019
• Chief Dauda Wuritka-Gotring — 2020
• Rt. Hon. Ahmed Idris Wase — 2021
• Sir Joseph N. Ari — 2022
• Chief Engr. Meshach Maichibi — 2023
• Barr. Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang — 2024
• Prof. Nentawe Goshwe Yilwatda — 2025

Each recipient represents a distinct chapter in PMYA’s history of recognising leadership, achievement and service.

A BROADER CONVERSATION FOR PLATEAU

As part of PMYA @12, COA Media will host the Plateau State Governorship Candidates’ Manifesto & Leadership Dialogue.

The non-partisan, issue-based platform is designed to give participating governorship candidates an equal opportunity to present their visions, policy priorities and leadership agenda for the future of Plateau State.

The conversation will address critical areas including governance, peace and security, economic development, youth empowerment, education, healthcare, infrastructure, tourism, investment and sustainable development.

The dialogue will operate independently of political parties and campaign organisations, with equal treatment of participating candidates and emphasis on policy ideas, public priorities and issues relevant to the people of Plateau State.

NOMINATIONS OPEN 7 OCTOBER

Nominations for PMYA @12 open on 7 to 28 October 2026.

The awards will feature categories spanning leadership, governance, business, entrepreneurship, humanitarian service, education, healthcare, youth development, agriculture, media, technology, entertainment, culture, professional excellence and community impact, among others.

Members of the public are encouraged to nominate individuals and organisations whose achievements and contributions merit consideration.

Speaking on the 12th edition, Amb. Cletus Akhimien, Executive Director of COA Media and Event Director of PMYA, said:

“PMYA @12 is not simply another edition. It is an opportunity to reaffirm the standard by which achievement, leadership and impact should be recognised. After more than a decade of celebrating people who have contributed to Plateau’s story, we are looking ahead to the kind of leadership and legacy we want future generations to inherit.”

COA Media also invites organisations, institutions and brands interested in supporting PMYA @12 — THE STANDARD to explore strategic partnership and sponsorship opportunities.

EVENT DETAILS

PMYA @12 — THE STANDARD
Theme: Leadership Beyond Politics: Building a Legacy for Future Generations
Date: Sunday, 10 January 2027
Time: 2:00 PM
Venue: Usiju World Event Centre, Jos, Plateau State

NOMINATION & PARTNERSHIP CONTACT

Email: plateauawards@gmail.com
Phone: +234 811 560 1779
Website: pmya.coamedia.com.ng

E-Signed:

Amb. Cletus Akhimien
Executive Director, COA Media
Event Director, Plateau Man of the Year Awards (PMYA)