By Peace Udugba -The daily torch media
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.
Momodu made the remarks on Thursday during an interview on Frontline, a current affairs programme on Eagle 102.5 FM in Ilese-Ijebu, Ogun State. The discussion focused on the recently concluded ADC convention and INEC’s position on factional leadership within the party.
He argued that electoral institutions must be careful not to appear politically biased, stressing that INEC’s primary role is to serve as an impartial umpire in elections rather than interfere in internal party matters.
“Well, it is not really the business of INEC to intervene in the affairs of parties. Their role is to conduct elections and ensure they are free and fair. But this INEC has started early to show signs that we may not be able to trust them,” he said.
The media mogul maintained that the ADC’s decision to proceed with its convention was not an act of defiance but one of constitutional necessity and organisational survival. According to him, political parties have the right to manage their internal affairs without undue interference.
Momodu expressed concern over what he described as a pattern of selective scrutiny, alleging that opposition parties are often subjected to stricter and faster actions compared to ruling parties. He warned that such perceptions could deepen political tension and weaken trust in democratic institutions.
He also emphasised that fairness must not only be upheld but must be seen to be upheld, noting that public perception plays a critical role in sustaining confidence in the electoral system.
On the ADC convention, Momodu described it as a demonstration of political resilience, stating that the party had taken its destiny into its own hands despite institutional uncertainty.
“But at any rate, what ADC has done is to show that it is a formidable opposition that cannot be easily sidelined,” he said.
Addressing the legal controversies surrounding ADC leadership, Momodu insisted that only the courts—not INEC—have the authority to determine issues of party legitimacy. He cautioned against what he described as the misinterpretation of judicial orders by electoral bodies, warning that such actions could create unnecessary confusion.
“The Supreme Court has made it clear that the internal affairs of a party belong to the party. It is not for INEC to interpret or misinterpret court orders,” he stated.
He further argued that the concept of “status quo” in the ADC dispute had been misapplied, maintaining that there was already an existing leadership structure within the party prior to the crisis.
According to him, the presence of established leadership negates any justification for administrative interference, adding that misreading such principles only fuels political tension.
Momodu also suggested that INEC and its leadership may be operating under significant political pressure, warning that such influence could affect decision-making in sensitive matters.
“When you are under pressure, you can do anything. I believe INEC and its chairman are under intense pressure, and I hope they will not continue to cave in,” he said.
He cautioned that Nigeria’s democratic space is already under strain and cannot afford further institutional conflict. He urged restraint, dialogue, and adherence to constitutional limits by all stakeholders.
Momodu also warned against the growing trend of using legal processes as political tools, stating that such practices could distort democratic outcomes and erode public trust in governance.
Reflecting on broader political developments, he maintained that the ADC remains a viable and formidable opposition platform, citing the presence of experienced political figures within the party.
He reiterated that electoral neutrality must be preserved at all times, stressing that INEC’s credibility depends on its ability to act independently and fairly across all political parties.
“Law should not be used as a weapon to disqualify existing leadership structures simply because someone goes to court. That cannot be the meaning of status quo,” he added.
Momodu concluded by reaffirming the importance of institutional integrity, warning that any deviation from neutrality could have long-term consequences for Nigeria’s democracy.
He called on all stakeholders to prioritise fairness, discipline, and transparency, insisting that democracy can only thrive where trust in institutions is consistently upheld.
