NCSCN faults attacks on INEC over ADC leadership crisis
The National Civil Society Council of Nigeria (NCSCN) on Monday strongly defended the Independent National Electoral Commission, describing recent criticisms of the Commission over the African Democratic Congress (ADC) leadership
- …warns against politicising commission
- …says rule of law must prevail
- By Frank Ikpefan, Abuja
The National Civil Society Council of Nigeria (NCSCN) on Monday strongly defended the Independent National Electoral Commission, describing recent criticisms of the Commission over the African Democratic Congress (ADC) leadership crisis as unwarranted and misleading.
Addressing a world press conference in Abuja yesterday, the Council said INEC’s actions in the dispute were firmly rooted in law, particularly in compliance with a Court of Appeal ruling delivered on March 12, 2026.
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Blessing Akinlosotu, Executive Director of NCSCN, who read the press conference text, stated that the Commission merely acted as a regulator implementing a judicial directive, stressing that the ADC crisis remains an internal party matter.
Akinlosotu said, “INEC’s de-recognition of the faction is not victimisation but a lawful step to restore the status quo as ordered by the court.
“It is important that Nigerians understand that the Commission was only a nominal party in the dispute.”
The Council traced the root of the crisis to internal disagreements arising from 2025 alliance arrangements within the ADC, which it said triggered friction between new entrants and existing party leadership.
It further faulted the legal approach adopted by a faction linked to David Mark, describing the decision to challenge jurisdiction at the appellate level as a costly error.
“That strategic decision, rather than any wrongdoing by INEC, stalled the party’s electoral activities for over five months,” Akinlosotu noted.
Raising concerns over alleged plans to mobilise civil society groups for protests against the Commission, the NCSCN warned against what it termed the “weaponisation” of civil society for partisan purposes.
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Akinlosotu added, “We have intelligence suggesting attempts to organise protests aimed at blackmailing INEC.
“The civil society space will not be rented for political warfare.”
The Council also passed a unanimous vote of confidence in the INEC Chairman, Joash Amupitan, commending his adherence to the rule of law and resistance to political pressure.
According to the group, the Chairman’s leadership has strengthened electoral credibility through reforms and the deployment of technology such as the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System.
He added, “His commitment to judicial sanctity and electoral transparency is evident. Nigeria is moving away from the era of ballot snatching to a system where votes truly count.”
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The NCSCN maintained that recent elections, including those conducted in Anambra State and the Federal Capital Territory, reflected growing public confidence in the electoral process under the current leadership.
It described calls for the INEC chairman's resignation as “ill-motivated,” warning that such demands could undermine democratic institutions.
The Council advised the aggrieved ADC faction to seek redress at the trial court rather than resort to public campaigns, while also cautioning its member organisations against participating in protests based on misinformation.
“Nigeria’s democracy is maturing, and the rule of law must prevail over mob action,” Akinlosotu said.
The group urged Nigerians to support institutions like INEC, insisting that sustained reforms are critical to ensuring credible elections ahead of 2027.
