Don't drag INEC into your internal crisis, civil society, youth groups tell ADC factions
…urges ADC factions to stop distracting INEC ahead 2027 election Leaders of civil society and youth organisations have called on factions of the African Democratic Congress to settle their internal
…urges ADC factions to stop distracting INEC ahead 2027 election
Leaders of civil society and youth organisations have called on factions of the African Democratic Congress to settle their internal disputes without dragging the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) into partisan conflicts as preparations for the 2027 general elections intensify.
During a solidarity visit to INEC headquarters, the Executive Director of the National Civil Society Council of Nigeria (NCSCN), Ambassador Blessing Akinlosotu, criticised the ongoing protests by factions of the ADC at the commission’s premises.
He described such actions by the political party as unnecessary distractions that could hinder INEC’s work.
According to Akinlosotu, internal disagreements—such as those involving factions led by David Mark and Nafiu Bala—should be resolved within party structures rather than brought to the doorstep of the electoral body.
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He stressed that INEC requires a conducive environment to focus on its responsibilities as the countdown to the 2027 elections continues.
Echoing this position, the President of the National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN), Babangida Isah, said Nigerian youths would resist any attempt to politicise INEC.
Isah emphasised the importance of preserving the commission’s independence and urged political actors to keep their disputes separate from its operations.
He also commended President Bola Tinubu for appointing a competent INEC chairman, noting that his legal background positions him to uphold the rule of law and strengthen democratic processes.
In the same vein, the President of the Nigerian Youth Congress, Comrade Jethro Annum, described INEC as a neutral arbiter tasked solely with overseeing elections, not resolving intra-party conflicts.
Read Also: JUST IN: ADC crisis deepens as Nafiu Bala-led faction protests at INEC headquarters
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He warned that politicising the commission could create unnecessary tension and mislead the public.
Annum further noted that the ADC is only one among several opposition parties and should address its internal challenges without mobilising young people for issues that do not directly concern them.
He encouraged youths to prioritise their personal development and economic well-being.
Providing legal insight, the NCSCN Director of Programmes, Oscar Kalu, said the council’s position is grounded on facts.
He pointed out that the crisis within the ADC dates back to mid-2025 and has already been subjected to judicial review.
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Kalu explained that the Court of Appeal had ruled that the status quo ante bellum be maintained, meaning the party’s leadership structure before the crisis should remain in place.
He urged all parties to respect the court’s decision and avoid further escalation.
The groups called on political actors to uphold the rule of law, respect judicial pronouncements, and allow INEC to focus on delivering credible elections in 2027.
