A viral video from the presidential primaries of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) has triggered controversy online after footage appeared to show irregular vote counting during the exercise held on May 25, 2026.
The video, reportedly recorded at one of the polling units during the party’s presidential primary, captured an announcer rapidly shifting between vote figures in a manner critics described as inconsistent and confusing.
The footage quickly spread across social media platforms, prompting accusations of irregularities and raising questions about the credibility of the ADC’s internal democratic process ahead of the 2027 elections.
Human rights lawyer Inibehe Effiong condemned the incident, reportedly describing it as a disgraceful development for a party seeking to present itself as a credible alternative to Nigeria’s dominant political parties.
Other commentators mocked the counting style as “geometric counting,” comparing it to controversies that have previously surrounded vote collation exercises within the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
The ADC primaries featured prominent presidential aspirants including former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, former Rivers State governor Rotimi Amaechi, and businessman Mohammed Hayatu-Deen.
All three candidates had earlier been cleared by the party’s screening committee to participate in the contest.
The controversy surrounding the viral video has fueled skepticism among some Nigerians who argue that opposition parties must demonstrate higher standards of transparency and internal democracy if they hope to convince voters they can offer meaningful change.
Supporters of the ADC, however, argued that isolated footage should not be used to discredit the entire primary process, insisting that the party remains committed to democratic principles and credible electoral procedures.
As of the time of reporting, the ADC leadership had not issued an official statement specifically addressing the viral video or the allegations of erratic counting.
Political analysts say the incident underscores how social media scrutiny is increasingly shaping public perception of political parties and electoral processes in Nigeria.
Observers also note that issues surrounding transparency, credibility, and trust in electoral systems are likely to remain central topics as political parties prepare for the highly anticipated 2027 general elections.
