The Kwankwasiyya Movement has raised fresh concerns about the state of Nigeria’s democracy following recent actions by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) regarding the leadership crisis within the African Democratic Congress (ADC).
In a statement issued by its spokesperson, Habibu Mohammed, the movement warned that a mix of conflicting court decisions and actions by electoral authorities could weaken democratic institutions and limit political competition in the country.
At the centre of the issue is the crisis within the ADC, reportedly involving a faction led by David Mark, a former Senate President. INEC recently announced that it would suspend recognition of any faction within the party until the courts reach a final decision on the matter. While the commission said it was acting in line with legal rulings, the Kwankwasiyya Movement believes the situation reflects deeper problems.
According to the statement, the ADC crisis is not an isolated case. Similar leadership disputes have affected other major political parties, including the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Labour Party (LP), and the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP). In many of these cases, court rulings have been inconsistent, with different courts giving opposing judgments on the same issues.
The Kwankwasiyya Movement warned that this pattern is gradually shrinking Nigeria’s political space. It argued that when opposition parties are weakened by internal crises and legal battles, the overall democratic system suffers.
“Recent developments have once again exposed the fragile and troubling state of Nigeria’s democratic institutions,” the statement said. “Conflicting judicial pronouncements and administrative decisions are combining to paralyse political parties.”
The group also pointed to what it described as a growing disregard for established legal principles. One of these is the doctrine of stare decisis, which means courts should follow previous decisions in similar cases to ensure consistency. According to the movement, some courts of equal authority have issued contradictory orders on the same matters, creating uncertainty and undermining confidence in the judiciary.
INEC, as Nigeria’s electoral umpire, is expected to remain neutral and ensure that elections are conducted fairly. Its role includes registering political parties, monitoring their activities, and recognising their leadership. However, the Kwankwasiyya Movement argued that the commission’s recent actions have raised questions about its consistency and independence.
“Rather than acting as a stabilising force, the leadership of INEC has reinforced public distrust,” the statement said. It added that perceptions of bias or selective compliance with court orders could damage the credibility of the electoral process.
This concern comes at a time when public trust in democratic institutions is already under pressure. Since Nigeria returned to democratic rule in 1999, the country has conducted several general elections, but challenges such as vote-buying, electoral violence, and legal disputes have continued to affect the system.
The Kwankwasiyya Movement stressed that democracy cannot survive if political parties are constantly weakened by internal conflicts and legal uncertainty. It warned that such a situation could limit voters’ choices and reduce the level of competition needed for good governance.
Nigeria’s multi-party system is designed to give citizens different options at the ballot box. Opposition parties play an important role by challenging the ruling party and offering alternative policies. However, when these parties are caught in leadership disputes, their effectiveness is reduced.
The movement also linked the current situation to broader concerns about the rule of law in Nigeria. It argued that respect for legal principles and clear judicial processes are essential for maintaining order and fairness.
“The cumulative effect is the erosion of internal party democracy,” the statement said. “It also leads to the shrinking of the political space necessary for a healthy system.”
Some political observers believe that reforms may be needed to address these challenges. Suggestions have included clearer rules for handling party disputes, better coordination among courts, and stronger guidelines for INEC when dealing with conflicting judgments.
Others have called for political parties themselves to strengthen their internal processes. They argue that many disputes begin within the parties due to issues such as lack of transparency, imposition of candidates, and poor conflict resolution mechanisms.
Despite the challenges, Nigeria remains one of Africa’s largest democracies, with a population of over 200 million people. The country’s elections attract significant attention both locally and internationally, making the credibility of its institutions a matter of national importance.
The Kwankwasiyya Movement concluded its statement by calling for urgent action to protect Nigeria’s democracy. It urged all stakeholders, including the judiciary, INEC, and political parties, to act responsibly and uphold democratic values.
“Nigeria’s future depends on strong institutions, credible processes, and the protection of the people’s right to freely choose their leaders,” the statement said.
As the situation within the ADC and other parties continues to unfold, many Nigerians will be watching closely to see how the courts and INEC handle these disputes.