The Nigeria Civil Society Situation Room has faulted the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) over its handling of the leadership crisis within the African Democratic Congress (ADC), warning that the Commission’s position could trigger a broader democratic breakdown if not urgently addressed.
In a statement issued in Abuja on Thursday and signed by the Convener, Yunusa Z. Ya’u, alongside co-conveners Mma Odi and Celestine Odo, the group expressed deep concern over INEC’s decision.
It criticised the move to maintain status quo ante bellum, warning it could entrench confusion and prolong uncertainty within the party.
While acknowledging the need to respect judicial authority, the Situation Room criticised what it described as INEC’s failure to provide clear guidance on leadership recognition, noting that such ambiguity could disrupt party administration, candidate nominations, and voter confidence.
The group warned that the Commission’s posture appears to legitimise a contested leadership structure, rather than resolve the crisis, thereby weakening internal party democracy.
It also raised concerns about the growing role of the judiciary in political party disputes, cautioning that inconsistent or opaque interventions could undermine public trust in democratic institutions and the rule of law.
The Situation Room further questioned why INEC appeared to be reversing its earlier decision of September 2025, when it accepted and uploaded the names of ADC principal officers submitted in July 2025.
According to the group, allowing such inconsistencies to persist could encourage prolonged litigation and deepen factional divisions within political parties, posing risks to Nigeria’s democratic framework.
The coalition called on INEC to reverse its position, reinstate the recognised leadership of the ADC on its official portal, and adopt a more transparent, consistent, and principled approach to resolving internal party disputes.
It also urged judicial restraint in matters relating to party governance and called on stakeholders within the ADC to pursue constructive and democratic means of resolving their differences.
“As Nigeria prepares for the 2027 general elections, institutions such as INEC and the judiciary must uphold transparency, accountability, and democratic consolidation,” the statement added.
