A chieftain of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Dele Momodu, has raised concerns over the neutrality of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), warning that its handling of internal party disputes could undermine public confidence in Nigeria’s democracy.
Momodu made the remarks during an interview on radio programme Eagle 102.5 FM in Ilese-Ijebu, Ogun state.
He argued that INEC must remain an impartial electoral umpire and avoid involvement in internal party matters, stressing that political parties retained the constitutional right to manage their own affairs without external interference.
“Well, it is not really the business of INEC to intervene and interfere in the affairs of party. Theirs is to be the unbiased umpire; conduct elections and make sure that the elections are fair and square,” he said.
Momodu warned that any perception of bias—particularly against opposition parties—could erode trust in democratic institutions.
He alleged that opposition parties often face faster and stricter scrutiny compared to ruling parties, a development he said could heighten political tension.
He also questioned INEC’s interpretation of legal disputes within parties, insisting that only the courts should determine issues of party legitimacy.
According to him, misinterpretation of judicial rulings by electoral authorities risks creating confusion and destabilising party structures.
“The Supreme Court has declared very clearly that the internal affairs of the party belong to the party. It is not for INEC to interpret or misinterpret an order,” he stated.
On the ADC convention, Momodu maintained that the party acted within its rights by proceeding despite INEC’s position, describing the move as a demonstration of political resilience and organisational independence.
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