Issued in Abuja: 1:30pm – Thursday, 2nd April 2026
The Nigeria Civil Society Situation Room expresses deep concern and unequivocal condemnation of the position taken by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in relation to the leadership dispute within the African Democratic Congress (ADC), particularly its stance aligning with the court order to maintain status quo ante bellum.
While the Situation Room recognizes the importance of judicial authority and the obligation of institutions to comply with court orders, we are troubled by INEC’s apparent uncritical endorsement and implementation of the status quo ante bellum directive without sufficient regard for the broader implications on internal party democracy, clarity of leadership, and electoral certainty.
The invocation of status quo ante bellum in this instance risks entrenching ambiguity and sustaining contested authority within the ADC, thereby undermining democratic order within the party. INEC’s posture, rather than resolving uncertainty, appears to legitimize a prolonged state of confusion, which could have far-reaching consequences for party administration, candidate nomination processes, and voter confidence.
Even more concerning is the role of the Judiciary of Nigeria in the increasing politicisation of internal party affairs. The Situation Room is alarmed by the growing trend of judicial intervention in political party leadership disputes in ways that appear inconsistent, opaque, or susceptible to manipulation. While the courts remain critical arbiters of justice, their involvement must be guided by strict adherence to constitutional provisions, respect for party autonomy, and an awareness of the broader implications for democratic stability.
The Nigerian democratic process cannot thrive where institutions meant to safeguard it are perceived to be enabling political manoeuvring or legitimising contested processes. The combined effect of INEC’s posture and the judiciary’s intervention in this matter risks eroding public trust and weakening confidence in both electoral governance and the rule of law.
As the constitutionally mandated regulator of political parties, INEC is not merely a passive actor but has a responsibility for ensuring that political party processes adhere to democratic norms and legal clarity. By adopting a position that effectively freezes a disputed leadership structure without providing clear guidance on recognition and engagement, the Commission risks abdicating its responsibility to safeguard the integrity of the electoral system.
Why is INEC now rescinding a decision it took on 9th September 2025 to accept and upload on the Commission’s portal the names of the principal officers of the ADC submitted to it on 29th July 2025? Furthermore, this development raises serious concerns about the precedent it sets for future disputes within political parties. If left unchecked, such an approach may encourage protracted litigation and factionalism, weakening party systems and, by extension, Nigeria’s democratic framework.
INEC should urgently reverse its position and provide transparent, consistent, and principled guidance that prioritizes democratic integrity over procedural minimalism. The Commission must demonstrate independence, firmness, and clarity in navigating complex political disputes, in a manner that inspires public trust and strengthens electoral governance.
The Situation Room therefore calls for:
- The reversal by INEC of its decision to de-recognise the current leadership of ADC and reinstate their names on its portal as well as show greater transparency and consistency in handling political party disputes, grounded firmly in constitutional and regulatory provisions;
- Judicial restraint and fidelity to due process in matters relating to internal party governance;
- Respect by all parties within the ADC for democratic norms, internal mechanisms, and constructive dispute resolution of their differences in the interest of their members and the Nigerian electorate;
- Urgent institutional reflection to safeguard the independence and credibility of Nigeria’s democratic institutions ahead of the 2027 general elections.
As Nigeria prepares for the 2027 general elections, it is imperative that institutions such as INEC and the Judiciary rise above procedural compliance and actively uphold the values of transparency, accountability, and democratic consolidation.
The Nigeria Civil Society Situation Room will continue to monitor developments and advocate for credible electoral processes that reflect the will and confidence of the Nigerian people.
SIGNED:
Yunusa Z. Ya’u
Convener, Nigeria Civil Society Situation Room
Mma Odi
Co-Convener, Nigeria Civil Society Situation Room
Celestine Odo
Co-Convener, Nigeria Civil Society Situation Room
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