The National Civil Society Council, NCSCN, of Nigeria has described the public criticism of INEC over the African Democratic Congress, ADC crisis, as unnecessary, noting that the de-recognition of the party is a lawful step to restore the status quo as ordered by the court.

 

 

At a press conference in Abuja on Monday, the Council stated that INEC’s actions in the dispute were in compliance with the law, particularly in accordance with a Court of Appeal ruling delivered on March 12, 2026.

 

The Executive Director of NCSCN, Blessing Akinlosotu, insisted that the ADC crisis is an internal affair that originated from disagreements over leadership arrangements, stressing that INEC’s role is limited to implementing a judicial directive.

 

 

Reading the text of the briefing, Akinlosotu claimed that iNEC’s de-recognition of the ADC faction is not victimisation but a lawful step to restore the status quo as ordered by the court.

 

“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 maintained that political parties must adhere to the provisions of the constitution and the Electoral Act, insisting that INEC is empowered to enforce internal democracy and ensure compliance with established rules.

 

The CSO advised the aggrieved ADC faction to seek redress against the perceived injustice in a competent court, noting that “Nigeria’s democracy is maturing and the days of mob action against legal processes are over.”