ADC Crisis: CSOs Back INEC, Urge Parties To Settle Disputes Internally

Leaders of civil society and youth organisations on Thursday declared support for the Independent National Electoral Commission, urging political parties to resolve their internal disputes without distracting the electoral body ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The groups made their position known during a solidarity visit to INEC headquarters in Abuja, following a recent press engagement.

Speaking, the Executive Director of the National Civil Society Council of Nigeria, Ambassador Blessing Akinlosotu, said recurring protests by political actors at INEC’s premises were unnecessary and could hinder preparations for the elections.

“These are internal political issues that should be resolved within the parties,” Akinlosotu said. “We have observed protests by different factions, including those within the African Democratic Congress, and we consider this a distraction. INEC has significant responsibilities ahead of 2027 and should be allowed to focus.”

Also speaking, President of the National Youth Council of Nigeria, Babangida Isah, cautioned against dragging INEC into partisan matters.

“INEC is an independent institution. Political actors with internal disagreements should resolve them through appropriate channels rather than involving the commission,” he said.

Isah also commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for appointing leadership he said is focused on strengthening the electoral process.

Similarly, President of the Nigerian Youth Congress, Jethro Annum, described INEC as a regulatory body responsible for overseeing elections, not mediating party disputes.

“Political parties should address their internal issues without creating unnecessary tension in the polity,” he said, urging young Nigerians to remain focused on productive engagements.

Providing legal perspective, Director of Programmes at NCSCN, Oscar David Kalu, noted that the leadership dispute within the ADC had already been subjected to judicial processes.

He explained that a Court of Appeal ruling had directed that the status quo be maintained pending resolution of the crisis.

The groups collectively called on political actors to respect judicial pronouncements and allow INEC to concentrate on preparations for credible elections in 2027.