By Lawrence Agbo
The National Civil Society Council of Nigeria (NCSCN) has defended the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) over its handling of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) crisis, describing the wave of public criticism against the electoral body as unnecessary.
At a press conference in Abuja on Monday, the council maintained that INEC’s decision to de-recognise the party’s faction was lawful and in line with a Court of Appeal ruling delivered on March 12, 2026, which directed the restoration of the status quo.
Executive Director of NCSCN, Blessing Akinlosotu, said the crisis within the ADC is an internal matter stemming from leadership disputes, stressing that INEC merely acted to implement a judicial directive.
According to him, the commission’s action should not be interpreted as victimisation but as compliance with the law, noting that INEC was only a nominal party in the dispute.
“The legal blunder of challenging jurisdiction at the appellate level instead of arguing the merit at the trial court was a strategic choice by the party, not a fault of the Commission.
“It is important that Nigerians understand that the Commission was only a nominal party in the dispute.”
The council further argued that the legal missteps in the case were the responsibility of the party, not the electoral body, and urged political actors to adhere strictly to constitutional provisions and the Electoral Act.
It also advised aggrieved members of the ADC to seek redress through the courts rather than resort to public attacks, adding that Nigeria’s democracy is evolving and must be guided by respect for due process.
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