Civil Society Blasts INEC Over ADC Crisis, Warns of Threat to 2027 Elections

Civil Society Blasts INEC Over ADC Crisis, Warns of Threat to 2027 Elections

By Auwal Ahmad Umar

The Nigeria Civil Society Situation Room has strongly criticised the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) over its handling of the leadership dispute within the African Democratic Congress (ADC), warning that the Commission’s stance could undermine democratic stability ahead of the 2027 general elections.

This was contained in a press statement signed by Yunusa Z. Ya’u, Convener of the Nigeria Civil Society Situation Room, alongside Mma Odi and Celestine Odo, both Co-Conveners of the group. On Thursday, the civil society coalition expressed “deep concern and unequivocal condemnation” of INEC’s decision to align with a court directive to maintain the status quo ante bellum in the party’s leadership tussle.

While acknowledging the importance of respecting judicial authority, the group faulted what it described as INEC’s “uncritical endorsement” of the court order without adequately considering its broader implications on internal party democracy and electoral clarity.

According to the Situation Room, following the status quo directive could keep the ADC in a state of confusion about its leadership, which would hurt the party’s unity and make things like choosing candidates more difficult.

“The Commission’s posture, rather than resolving uncertainty, appears to legitimise confusion, with potential consequences for party administration and voter confidence,” the statement noted.

The group also raised concerns about what it termed the increasing politicisation of judicial interventions in party affairs. It warned that inconsistent or opaque rulings in intra-party disputes could erode trust in the judiciary and weaken democratic institutions.

It stressed that although courts remain vital arbiters of justice, their involvement in political party matters must reflect constitutional principles, respect party autonomy, and safeguard democratic stability.

The coalition further questioned INEC’s reversal of an earlier decision made in September 2025, when the electoral body reportedly accepted and uploaded the names of ADC principal officers submitted in July of the same year.

“This inconsistency raises serious concerns about regulatory certainty and the precedent it sets for future disputes,” the group said.

The Situation Room warned that allowing such ambiguity to persist could encourage prolonged litigation and deepen factional divisions within political parties, ultimately weakening Nigeria’s democratic framework.

Calling for urgent action, the coalition urged INEC to reverse its position and restore the recognised leadership of the ADC to its official portal. It also demanded greater transparency, consistency, and adherence to constitutional provisions in the commission’s handling of party disputes.

In addition, the group called for judicial restraint in internal party matters and urged stakeholders within the ADC to pursue constructive and democratic means of resolving their differences.

“As Nigeria prepares for the 2027 general elections, institutions must rise above procedural compliance and actively uphold transparency, accountability, and democratic consolidation,” the statement added.

The Situation Room, led by its convener, Yunusa Z. Ya’u, alongside co-conveners Mma Odi and Celestine Odo, reaffirmed its commitment to monitoring developments and advocating for credible electoral processes that reflect the will of Nigerians.