Kwankwasiyya Faults INEC Over ADC Leadership Crisis

The Kwankwasiyya Movement has expressed concern over INEC’s decision to suspend recognition of the African Democratic Congress National Working Committee led by David Mark, warning of threats to Nigeria’s democracy.

The position was contained in a statement issued on Friday by the movement’s spokesperson, Habibu Mohammed, who criticised the role of the Independent National Electoral Commission in the ongoing leadership crisis within the party.

“Recent developments surrounding the leadership crisis within the ADC, and the consequential decision by INEC to suspend recognition of any faction pending judicial determination, have once again exposed the fragile and troubling state of Nigeria’s democratic institutions,” the statement read.

The movement argued that while INEC may cite compliance with court rulings, the situation reflects a deeper issue involving conflicting judicial pronouncements and administrative actions that risk paralysing political parties and weakening opposition platforms.

Democratic concerns

Kwankwasiyya noted that similar crises have affected parties such as the Peoples Democratic Party, Labour Party, and New Nigeria Peoples Party, where judicial interventions have triggered prolonged leadership disputes.

According to the statement, these developments have contributed to “the systematic erosion of internal party democracy” and a shrinking political space necessary for a competitive democratic system.

The group also raised concerns about disregard for legal principles, including the doctrine of stare decisis, and the trend of courts issuing conflicting orders on similar matters.

Judiciary under scrutiny

The movement warned that such inconsistencies undermine the credibility of the judiciary and create an environment where electoral processes become vulnerable to manipulation and selective compliance.

“These developments not only undermine the credibility of the judiciary but also create an environment where electoral management becomes susceptible to manipulation, discretion, and selective compliance,” the statement added.

Call for neutrality

Kwankwasiyya further criticised INEC’s leadership, accusing it of reinforcing public distrust instead of acting as a stabilising force.

“Rather than acting as a stabilising force in this chaotic environment, the leadership of INEC has, unfortunately, reinforced public distrust through actions that raise serious concerns about neutrality, consistency, and commitment to democratic values,” it stated.

The movement stressed that democracy cannot thrive where political parties are weakened by judicial confusion and where the electoral body is perceived as complicit.

The development highlights growing concerns over judicial interference, electoral credibility, and the stability of Nigeria’s multi-party system, amid ongoing disputes within major political parties.