A former Director-General of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Dakuku Peterside, has raised alarm over what he described as a "quiet erosion" of democracy in Nigeria, citing the ongoing leadership crisis within the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and the role of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
Peterside made the remarks in an article titled "Attempt To Delete Democracy: The Perilous Path To 2027," published on April 6, 2026, by Independent Newspaper Nigeria.
In the strongly worded commentary, he warned that democratic systems often decline not through military coups but through subtle institutional actions that weaken opposition structures and distort political balance.
"Democracy does not always die with the crack of gunfire or the drama of tanks rolling into the public square," he said. "More often, it is weakened quietly,by rulings, memos, selective interpretations, procedural manoeuvres, manipulations, and institutions that begin to forget the moral purpose of their own powers."
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The controversy stems from INEC's March 31, 2026 announcement that it would no longer recognise both the faction of the ADC led by former Senate President David Mark and that of Rafiu Bala, following its interpretation of a Court of Appeal ruling.
INEC Chairman, Joash Amupitan, on April 3 defended the decision, stating that the commission was merely complying with a judicial directive to maintain the status quo ante bellum,a legal term meaning the state of affairs before a dispute.
However, critics argue that the move has effectively paralysed the party at a time when it was gaining traction as a viable opposition platform ahead of the 2027 political cycle.
Peterside warned that regardless of legal justifications, the political consequences of INEC's action are far-reaching.
"Whatever the legal phrasing, the political effect has been unmistakable: an opposition platform that had suddenly become nationally consequential has been thrust into paralysis," he stated.
He added that the development raises broader concerns about institutional neutrality and the health of Nigeria's multiparty democracy, especially as opposition figures explore coalition options to challenge the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in 2027.
Peterside called for greater transparency in the handling of the ADC matter, urging INEC and the judiciary to ensure that their actions do not inadvertently undermine democratic competition, stressing that institutions must remain guided not only by legal technicalities but also by the broader democratic principles they are meant to uphold.
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