“INEC must not interfere in party affairs” — Momodu warns of threat to democracy

Michael Olumide

A chieftain of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Dele Momodu, has raised serious concerns over the neutrality of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), warning that perceived bias in handling party disputes could erode public confidence in Nigeria’s democratic system.

Speaking during an interview on Frontline, a current affairs programme on Eagle 102.5 FM in Ilese-Ijebu, Ogun State, Momodu cautioned that electoral institutions must not only act fairly but must also be seen to be fair to sustain credibility.

According to him, INEC’s involvement in internal party disputes risks crossing constitutional boundaries, stressing that political parties have the right to manage their internal affairs without undue interference.

“It is not really the business of INEC to intervene in party affairs. Their role is to act as an unbiased umpire, conduct elections, and ensure they are free and fair,” he said.

Momodu argued that the ADC’s decision to proceed with its convention was not an act of defiance but a necessary step for institutional survival, describing it as a demonstration of political resilience amid uncertainty.

He maintained that opposition parties must remain functional despite administrative and legal challenges.

The media mogul expressed concern over what he described as a pattern of selective scrutiny, alleging that opposition parties often face faster and stricter actions compared to ruling parties.

He warned that such perceptions, whether real or not, could deepen political tension and weaken trust in democratic institutions.

He further suggested that the leadership of INEC, particularly its chairman, Joash Amupitan, may be operating under significant political pressure, a situation he said could influence institutional decisions if not carefully managed.

“When you are under pressure, you can do anything. I believe INEC and its chairman are under intense pressure,” Momodu stated, warning that yielding to such pressure could damage both personal and institutional integrity.

On the legal controversies surrounding ADC leadership, Momodu insisted that only the courts—not INEC—have the authority to determine legitimacy in party disputes.

He criticised what he described as the misinterpretation of judicial orders, particularly regarding the concept of “status quo.”

According to him, the ADC already had an established leadership structure before the dispute arose, with figures such as Senator David Mark and Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola occupying key positions, leaving no leadership vacuum that would justify external interference.

“The Supreme Court has made it clear that internal party affairs belong to the party. It is not for INEC to interpret or misinterpret court orders,” he said.

Momodu warned that misapplication of legal interpretations could create confusion and escalate political crises, stressing that restraint and institutional discipline are essential in safeguarding democracy.

Drawing parallels with past political events, he likened current developments to the controversies surrounding the June 12 election, noting that legal and institutional manoeuvres have historically been used to undermine democratic processes.

He also cautioned against what he described as the growing trend of weaponising legal disputes for political advantage, arguing that such practices distort justice and weaken governance structures.

Despite the challenges, Momodu reaffirmed the ADC’s position as a formidable opposition force, highlighting the presence of experienced political figures within the party and expressing confidence in its ability to compete effectively in future elections.

He emphasised that democracy thrives on strong opposition, warning that any attempt to weaken alternative political platforms could ultimately harm Nigeria’s democratic growth.

“Political parties must be allowed to organise freely. Democracy depends on a level playing field,” he stressed.

Momodu concluded by urging INEC to operate strictly within its constitutional mandate, warning that any perceived deviation from neutrality could have long-term consequences for electoral credibility.

He called for restraint, dialogue, and institutional cooperation among all stakeholders, insisting that Nigeria’s democracy can only be sustained through fairness, transparency, and unwavering adherence to the rule of law.

“Credibility is the currency of electoral institutions. Once it is lost, rebuilding trust becomes difficult,” he said.