“2027: Empowering Voices – Pursuing Justice Through the Courts, Says CSO to ADC”

The National Civil Society Council, NCSCN, of Nigeria has labeled the public denunciation of INEC regarding the African Democratic Congress, ADC crisis, as unwarranted, emphasizing that the de-recognition of the party is a legitimate action to reinstate the status quo as mandated by the court.

During a press briefing in Abuja on Monday, the Council asserted that INEC’s conduct in the conflict was supported by the law, particularly in accordance with a Court of Appeal verdict delivered on March 12, 2026.

The Executive Director of NCSCN, Blessing Akinlosotu, affirmed that the ADC crisis is an internal issue stemming from disputes over leadership structuring, underscoring that INEC’s function is restricted to executing a judicial order.

Presenting the contents of the briefing, Akinlosotu stated that INEC’s de-recognition of the ADC faction is not persecution but a legitimate measure to restore the status quo as mandated by the court.

“The legal error of contesting jurisdiction at the appellate level rather than debating the merits at the trial court was a tactical decision made by the party, not a failure of the Commission.

“It is crucial for Nigerians to recognize that the Commission was merely a nominal party in the dispute.”

The council emphasized that political parties must comply with constitutional provisions and the Electoral Act, insisting that INEC has the authority to uphold internal democracy and ensure adherence to established regulations.

The CSO encouraged the aggrieved ADC faction to pursue redress against the perceived injustice in a competent court, noting that “Nigeria’s democracy is evolving and the era of mob actions against legal processes is concluded.”