The Foundation for Environmental Rights Advocacy and Development (FENRAD) issued a stern warning on Friday regarding the growing entanglement of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in political party leadership disputes and the rising tide of judicial interventions.
In a detailed statement released in Abuja, the advocacy group expressed “deep concern” over recent developments where INEC’s regulatory mandate has collided with complex court orders. FENRAD argued that these conflicts raise fundamental questions about the scope of the commission’s powers and the long-term stability of Nigeria’s democratic processes.
“INEC bears the constitutional responsibility of regulating political parties and ensuring the integrity of the electoral process,” stated Comrade Nelson Nnanna Nwafor, Executive Director of FENRAD. “While court orders are binding, compliance must not be reduced to mechanical or uncritical enforcement. INEC is expected to exercise its mandate with clarity and independence, ensuring its actions do not inadvertently legitimise contested authority.”
The group specifically highlighted the legal doctrine of status quo ante bellum, noting that while it is a valid legal tool, its application in sensitive political disputes is often fraught with ambiguity. Nwafor warned that without clear regulatory guidance, the commission risks “institutional paralysis” or fostering conflicting interpretations that could tear party structures apart.
Beyond the commission’s role, FENRAD aimed at the increasing frequency of court cases involving internal party affairs. The organisation suggested that the trend of seeking judicial redress for every internal disagreement threatens to politicise the bench and bypass traditional democratic mechanisms within the parties themselves.
“Excessive or inconsistent judicial intervention risks politicising the courts,” Nwafor remarked. “This trend encourages factions to rely on litigation rather than internal democratic resolution, which is a direct threat to the development of strong, independent political parties.”
The foundation outlined several risks as the country moves toward the next election cycle, including the erosion of electoral certainty and a potential decline in public confidence. FENRAD cautioned that if political actors continue to “weaponise the courts,” the resulting legal battles could disrupt candidate nominations and leave voters disillusioned with both the judiciary and the electoral system.
As a path forward, the advocacy group is calling for strict institutional neutrality and a commitment to transparency. FENRAD’s leadership maintains that the commission must provide “well-reasoned explanations” for its decisions, especially when reversing previous stances, to avoid the appearance of political bias.
“The health of Nigeria’s democracy depends on the integrity, independence, and accountability of its institutions,” Nwafor concluded. “INEC and the judiciary must rise above procedural formalities and demonstrate principled leadership.
The path to credible elections in 2027 begins with decisive, transparent, and lawful actions today.”
