NCSCN Raises Alarm Over Alleged Plot to Mobilize Protests Against INEC
The National Civil Society Council of Nigeria (NCSCN) has issued a stern warning regarding what it describes as a coordinated effort to mobilize civil society organizations (CSOs) for a planned "national protest" aimed at undermining the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). During a press conference held on Monday, the council's Executive Director, Blessing Akinlosotu, revealed that intelligence reports indicate certain actors are attempting to enlist CSOs to advance partisan interests under the guise of civic action.
Concerns Over Civil Society Integrity
The NCSCN expressed deep concerns that such moves could severely compromise the integrity and credibility of the civil society space in Nigeria. "We have received intelligence regarding attempts to mobilize CSOs for a 'National Protest' aimed at blackmailing the Commission. We state categorically that the civil society space will not be rented for partisan warfare," the council declared in a statement. The umbrella body emphasized that civil society organizations must remain steadfastly non-partisan, focusing on promoting accountability, transparency, and good governance rather than being manipulated as tools for political agendas.
Akinlosotu further cautioned groups and individuals against participating in activities that could erode the independence of civil society, highlighting the sector's critical role in strengthening democracy and fostering public trust. The press conference, titled 'The unwarranted attacks on the integrity of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and the need to protect Nigeria's democratic institutions', also included a unanimous vote of confidence in INEC Chairman, Professor Joash Amupitan, SAN.
Support for INEC's Actions
The council clarified that INEC's de-recognition of the Senator David Mark-led African Democratic Congress (ADC) was not an act of victimization but a strict adherence to a Court of Appeal order to revert to the status existing before September 2, 2025. "It is high time political parties come to the reality that INEC has enormous powers under section 228 of the Constitution of Nigeria 1999 and sections 82(4) and 83 of the Electoral Act 2026 to enforce internal democracy within political parties, ensure strict compliance with the Constitution and Electoral Act, and issue lawful directives," Akinlosotu stated.
He pointed out that the ADC faction's "legal blunder" of challenging jurisdiction at the appellate level instead of arguing the merit at the trial court was a strategic choice that wasted over five months of the party's electoral activities, unrelated to INEC's actions. Akinlosotu advised the Mark-led faction to return to the trial court to argue their legitimacy rather than seeking a political solution to a legal problem.
Warnings and Sanctions
The Executive Director issued a clear warning to civil society organizations and their affiliates, stating that the NCSCN would sanction and de-affiliate any group participating in the planned "protests of misinformation." He urged the public to disregard calls for INEC Chairman Amupitan's resignation, describing them as a "smokescreen designed to distract the Commission from its reformative path."
Praising Amupitan's leadership, Akinlosotu noted, "As a Senior Advocate of Nigeria and a distinguished Professor of Law, Prof. Amupitan has brought a 'Rule of Law' first approach to the Commission. His refusal to bow to political pressure in the ADC matter is proof of his commitment to judicial sanctity." He highlighted that under Amupitan's guidance, INEC has shifted away from past issues like result manipulation and ballot snatching toward a more robust system where votes count, thanks to safeguards introduced into the BVAS technology.
The current focus on tackling "Vote Trading" was cited as evidence that the electoral process has become too resilient for traditional rigging methods, reinforcing INEC's commitment to electoral integrity.
