Stephen Ukandu, Umuahia
The Foundation for Environmental Rights Advocacy and Development (FENRAD) has called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to maintain strict neutrality in handling internal political party disputes, warning that recent developments could threaten Nigeria’s democratic stability ahead of the 2027 general elections.
FENRAD, in a statement by its Executive Director, Nelson Nnanna Nwafor, raised concerns over what the group described as increasing tensions involving the Independent National Electoral Commission and judicial interventions in party leadership crises.
FENRAD noted that while INEC is constitutionally empowered to regulate political parties and oversee electoral processes, its compliance with court directives—particularly orders to maintain status quo ante bellum—must not be “mechanical or uncritical.”
The group emphasized that such legal doctrines are often difficult to apply in politically sensitive disputes where the “previous state” is itself contested. It urged INEC to provide clear and consistent regulatory guidance to prevent confusion and institutional paralysis.
FENRAD also expressed concern over what it described as the growing involvement of courts in internal party matters.
While acknowledging the judiciary’s role as the final arbiter of legal disputes, FENRAD warned that excessive intervention could undermine party autonomy and politicize the judiciary.
According to the group, the trend may encourage factions within political parties to resort to litigation instead of resolving disputes through internal democratic mechanisms.
FENRAD outlined potential risks if the situation persists, including disruptions to candidate nomination processes.
It said a surge in politically motivated lawsuits is declining public trust in electoral and judicial institutions.
The organisation cautioned that these challenges could erode electoral certainty and weaken democratic participation if not urgently addressed.
FENRAD urged INEC to uphold institutional neutrality and ensure its decisions are transparent, consistent, and grounded in electoral laws. It also called on the judiciary to exercise restraint and adhere strictly to due process in political cases.
The group advised political parties to strengthen internal democratic structures and dispute resolution mechanisms to reduce reliance on external adjudication.
FENRAD stressed that the credibility of Nigeria’s democracy depends on the independence and accountability of its institutions. It called on all stakeholders to implement safeguards and reforms necessary to guarantee free, fair, and credible elections in 2027.
“The path to credible elections begins with decisive, transparent, and lawful actions today,” the statement said.
