Nigeria on the Brink: ‘Actions Pushing Nation Toward Anarchy’ — ADC Chieftain Warns

A strong warning has been issued over the state of Nigeria’s democracy, with Dr. Moses Paul, an ADC chieftain and Chairmanship candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in the recent Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Local Council Election for Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC), cautioning that recent actions by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) risk pushing the country toward anarchy if not urgently addressed.

Reacting to the controversy surrounding INEC’s position on the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Dr. Paul described the commission’s interpretation of the law as “dangerous,” alleging that it is deliberately crafted to mislead the public, weaken opposition parties, and tilt the democratic space in favor of those in power.

“The actions and utterances coming from INEC are not only misleading, they are calculated. They are designed to confuse the public, weaken the opposition, and manipulate the democratic space,” he said.
He stressed that the law must not be subjected to political convenience, warning that any attempt to twist legal provisions undermines the very foundation of democracy. According to him, an electoral body expected to act as an impartial referee must not be seen aligning with political interests.

“When an institution like INEC begins to sound like an interested party, then we are no longer practicing democracy,we are merely staging it,” he added.

Dr. Paul further accused the current administration of sustaining a pattern of suppressing dissent, frustrating opposition, and weaponizing state institutions. He argued that the situation involving the ADC is not an isolated case but part of a broader effort to weaken alternative political voices.

He warned that systematically shutting down opposition and limiting democratic participation could have dire consequences for the country.

“When you silence opposition and close every legitimate democratic door, you are pushing a nation toward anarchy,” he cautioned.

Highlighting the core principles of democracy, he noted that fairness, competition, and public trust in institutions are essential for stability. He warned that once citizens lose faith in democratic processes, the consequences could be severe and difficult to reverse.

“We will not accept a democracy where the referee rewrites the rules mid-game. We will not accept a system where the law is interpreted based on who is in power,” he declared.

Describing the situation as one that transcends party politics, Dr. Paul said the issue strikes at the heart of Nigeria’s democratic future. He also cautioned those in positions of authority against undermining justice for short-term gains.

“History is never kind to those who undermine justice. Power is transient, but the consequences of injustice endure,” he said.

He concluded by urging for accountability, integrity, and a commitment to democratic principles, warning that anything short of these could plunge the country into instability.

“Nigeria must not, and will not, be pushed into chaos because a few individuals are afraid of a fair contest,” he stated.