PAACA Calls on Mark-Led ADC Faction to Engage INEC for Party Crisis Resolution
The Peering Advocacy and Advancement Centre in Africa (PAACA) has issued a strong appeal to the faction of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) led by former Senate President David Mark, urging them to actively engage the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in order to resolve the party's lingering internal crisis. This call comes amid growing tensions within the opposition party, which has been grappling with leadership disputes and public controversies.
Warning Against Eroding Public Confidence
In a detailed statement released by PAACA's Executive Director, Ezenwa Nwagwu, the organization cautioned against any attempts to portray INEC as biased or partial in the ongoing dispute. Nwagwu emphasized that such narratives could significantly erode public confidence in Nigeria's democratic institutions, particularly as the country approaches the crucial 2027 general elections. "The integrity of our electoral bodies is paramount for democratic stability," Nwagwu stated, highlighting the broader implications of the ADC's internal conflicts.
Failure of Internal Dispute Resolution Mechanisms
Nwagwu attributed the current crisis within the ADC to what he described as a fundamental failure of the party's internal dispute resolution mechanisms. According to his analysis, the inability to manage disagreements through established administrative channels has unnecessarily escalated tensions, leading to legal battles and public spectacle that could have been avoided. "There is no need for the ADC's grandstanding," Nwagwu asserted. "This is a matter that could have been settled administratively through proper engagement with INEC and internal mediation processes."
Learning from Past Political Disputes
Drawing instructive parallels with previous disputes within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Nwagwu noted that similar issues were successfully resolved through administrative engagement with INEC rather than through public confrontation. He pointed out that while the PDP had approached INEC to resolve their matters, there is currently no evidence that the ADC leadership under David Mark has taken similar steps. "When the PDP had similar issues, they approached INEC and the matters were resolved," Nwagwu recalled, suggesting this as a viable model for the ADC to follow.
Call for Institutional Engagement Over Public Confrontation
The PAACA director called on the ADC leadership to prioritize institutional engagement over public confrontation, stressing that the contentious issues could still be addressed through established administrative channels. He emphasized that opposition parties, while often deploying strategies to attract public sympathy, must demonstrate internal discipline and respect for due process if they aspire to govern. "Opposition status is not a shield against scrutiny," Nwagwu declared. "Parties seeking power must demonstrate that they can manage their own affairs in line with due process, which means investing in internal governance, resolving disputes transparently, and engaging institutions constructively."
Need for Stronger Internal Governance in Political Parties
Nwagwu further elaborated that the ADC crisis highlights a broader need for political parties in Nigeria to strengthen their internal governance structures and adhere strictly to procedural frameworks when managing disputes. "Time and again, we have observed that many political parties in Nigeria do not have robust mechanisms to resolve internal conflicts," he noted, suggesting that this deficiency undermines both party stability and democratic progress.
INEC's Delicate Position and Legal Challenges
Regarding INEC's role in the matter, Nwagwu acknowledged that the situation has placed the electoral body in a delicate position that requires careful handling, particularly in terms of public communication and maintaining institutional neutrality. He pointed out that INEC's legal department, currently headed by a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, faces the challenge of navigating complex legal interpretations. "For INEC, it is a tricky situation," Nwagwu explained. "When you have too many legal experts in the room, the challenge is that you may be dealing with a crisis of legal interpretation rather than practical resolution."
The PAACA statement concludes with a renewed call for all political actors to uphold democratic principles and institutional processes, ensuring that Nigeria's political landscape remains stable and credible as the nation moves toward another electoral cycle.
