…Says electoral umpire acting under pressure, risks eroding public trust
..Insists courts, not INEC should decide party leadership tussles
A chieftain of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Dele Momodu, has raised fresh concerns over the neutrality of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), warning that its handling of internal party disputes could undermine public confidence in Nigeria’s democracy.
Speaking during an interview on Frontline, a current affairs programme on Eagle 102.5 FM in Ilese-Ijebu, Ogun State, Momodu argued that electoral institutions must not only act fairly but must also be seen to be impartial.
He maintained that INEC’s role is limited to conducting credible elections, not interfering in internal party affairs.
“INEC is expected to be an unbiased umpire… but this INEC has started very early to show signs that we may not be able to trust them,” he said.
Momodu criticised what he described as selective treatment of opposition parties, alleging that they are subjected to faster and stricter scrutiny compared to ruling parties.
“The speed with which they deal blows to opposition parties—I don’t see them doing that to APC,” he added.
The media mogul defended the ADC’s recent convention, describing it as a necessary step for the party’s survival rather than an act of defiance. He insisted that political parties have constitutional rights to manage their internal affairs without undue interference.
He further warned that misinterpretation of court rulings by electoral bodies could deepen political confusion, stressing that only the judiciary has the authority to determine party leadership disputes.
“The Supreme Court has made it clear—the internal affairs of a party belong to the party. It is not for INEC to interpret or misinterpret orders,” he stated.
Momodu also suggested that INEC and its leadership, particularly Chairman Joash Amupitan, may be operating under significant political pressure, cautioning that such influence could compromise institutional credibility.
“When you are under pressure, you can do anything… I believe INEC and its chairman are under intense pressure,” he said.
Drawing parallels with past democratic crises, including the June 12 1993 presidential election, Momodu warned against actions that could weaken Nigeria’s democratic foundations.
He emphasised that perception is as critical as legality in sustaining trust, noting that any appearance of bias could be as damaging as actual bias.
The ADC chieftain concluded by urging restraint among electoral and political actors, stressing that democracy thrives on institutional discipline, fairness, and respect for constitutional boundaries.
“Credibility is the currency of electoral institutions. Once that is lost, democracy itself is endangered,” he said.
