The National Civil Society Council of Nigeria has thrown its weight behind the Independent National Electoral Commission over the leadership crisis rocking the African Democratic Congress, rejecting calls for the removal of the commission's chairman.
In a statement signed by its Executive Director, Blessing A. Akinlosotu and made available to LEADERSHIP, the council described recent criticisms of INEC as unwarranted, insisting that the electoral body acted in compliance with a Court of Appeal ruling which ordered a return to the status quo in the party's leadership dispute.
The NCSCN stated that the ADC crisis remains an internal affair stemming from disagreements over leadership arrangements, stressing that INEC's role was limited to implementing a judicial directive.
"INEC's action is not an act of victimisation but a lawful compliance with a subsisting court judgment," the council said.
Keep up with the latest headlines on WhatsApp | LinkedIn
It explained that the decision to de-recognise a faction of the party's leadership was based strictly on the need to restore the structure that existed before September 2025, in line with the court's pronouncement.
The council further argued that political parties must adhere to the provisions of the Constitution and the Electoral Act, noting that INEC is empowered to enforce internal democracy and ensure compliance with established rules.
On the agitation against the commission, the group described it as misguided, attributing the situation partly to legal missteps by the affected faction rather than any wrongdoing by the electoral umpire.
The NCSCN also raised concerns over alleged plans to mobilise civil society groups for protests against INEC, warning that such actions could undermine the integrity of the civic space.
"The civil society community must not be used as a tool for partisan battles," the statement added.
The council passed a vote of confidence in the INEC Chairman, Joash Ojo Amupitan, commending his adherence to the rule of law and ongoing efforts to strengthen the credibility of Nigeria's electoral process.
It noted that under his leadership, the commission has introduced reforms aimed at improving transparency and reducing electoral malpractice.
"An attack on the INEC Chairman for obeying a court order amounts to an attack on the judiciary," the council said.
The group urged the aggrieved faction within the ADC to seek redress through appropriate legal channels rather than resorting to public pressure or protests.
Sign up for free AllAfrica Newsletters
Get the latest in African news delivered straight to your inbox
It also called on Nigerians to disregard demands for the chairman's resignation, describing such calls as attempts to distract the commission from its mandate.
The NCSCN reiterated its commitment to defending democratic institutions and the rule of law, urging all stakeholders to prioritise due process in resolving political disputes.
