Civil Society and Youth Groups Rally Behind INEC, Urge Parties to Resolve Internal Disputes
Leaders from civil society and youth organizations have voiced robust support for the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), calling on political parties to address their internal disagreements and prevent unnecessary distractions as preparations for the 2027 general elections accelerate. During a solidarity visit and follow-up engagement at the commission's headquarters on Thursday, Ambassador Blessing Akinlosotu, Executive Director of the National Civil Society Council of Nigeria (NCSCN), emphasized that the council's backing stems from concerns over recurring protests at INEC's premises, which he described as needless disruptions.
Concerns Over Distractions and Electoral Integrity
Ambassador Akinlosotu highlighted that such protests risk undermining INEC's ability to focus on its constitutional duties, especially with election preparations intensifying. He acknowledged the right of citizens and political actors to express grievances but stressed that these should be channeled through appropriate and constructive mechanisms rather than public demonstrations that could disrupt institutional processes. "These are internal political issues that we expected to be resolved internally," Akinlosotu stated. "We have noticed leaders from different political parties — both the David Mark faction and the Nafiu Bala faction — staging day-in, day-out protests at INEC's office. We see this as a distraction. Time is counting down. INEC has enormous work to do and needs the space to do it. Disrupting its activities daily is not healthy for the 2027 election."
Youth Leaders Advocate for INEC's Independence
Babangida Isah, President of the National Youth Council of Nigeria, asserted that Nigerian youths will not allow INEC to be entangled in partisan politics. "We are here to stand as the voice of the voiceless, who are the majority of the youth constituency," Isah said. "Political matters should be separated from INEC's activities. INEC is an independent body. If you have a problem, if you have an internal crisis, sort it out and leave INEC alone. Since his appointment, the INEC chairman has been doing wonderfully well, working to strengthen our democracy." Isah also commended President Bola Tinubu for appointing a chairman who, as a lawyer, understands the rule of law, describing it as "putting the right peg in the right hole."
Call for Internal Resolution and Focus on Livelihoods
Jethro Annum, President of the Nigerian Youth Congress, reinforced this stance by describing INEC as a regulatory umpire tasked with overseeing elections, not mediating party crises. "INEC is an umpire in the electoral process of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. The process has already kick-started. If parties have internal issues, they should resolve them internally, not overflog the polity and create an impression that does not exist," Annum explained. He specifically referenced the ADC, noting it is just one of 21 opposition parties and urging them to resolve their internal crisis without mobilizing young people for non-issues. Annum encouraged young Nigerians to concentrate on their livelihoods instead of being drawn into political distractions.
Legal Context and Court Rulings
Providing legal insight, Oscar Kalu, Director of Programmes at the NCSCN, clarified the council's findings and advisories. "There are basic questions that set the records straight," Kalu explained. "Was there an internal crisis in the ADC? Yes, as far back as mid-2025. Were matters taken to court? Yes they took themselves to court. Is there any subsisting ruling on this matter? Again, yes from the Court of Appeal, which ruled that status quo ante bellum be retained, meaning the leadership structure before the crisis should remain." The groups jointly urged political actors to adhere to court rulings and allow INEC to focus entirely on its preparations for the 2027 general elections.
