The Kwankwasiyya Movement has expressed serious concern over what it described as the unfolding threats to Nigeria’s democracy arising from a combination of judicial inconsistencies and the increasingly questionable conduct of the Independent National Electoral Commission under its current leadership.
This is contained in a statement by the Spokesperson of the movement, Dr. Habibu Sale Mohammed, a copy of which was made available to The Punch on Friday.
“Recent developments surrounding the leadership crisis within the African Democratic Congress, and the consequential decision by INEC to suspend recognition of any faction pending judicial determination, have once again exposed the fragile and troubling state of Nigeria’s democratic institutions.
“While INEC may claim compliance with court orders, the broader circumstances reveal a dangerous pattern where conflicting judicial pronouncements and administrative decisions combine to paralyze political parties and weaken opposition platforms,” the statement said.
According to the statement, similar crises have plagued the Peoples Democratic Party, Labour Party, and New Nigeria Peoples Party, where judicial interventions have often been contradictory and procedurally questionable, triggering prolonged leadership disputes and institutional uncertainty.
“The cumulative effect is the systematic erosion of internal party democracy and the shrinking of the political space necessary for a healthy, competitive system.
“At the heart of this crisis is the growing disregard for established legal principles, including the doctrine of Stare Decisis, and the troubling trend of courts of coordinate jurisdiction issuing conflicting orders on the same matters.
“These developments not only undermine the credibility of the judiciary but also create an environment where electoral management becomes susceptible to manipulation, discretion, and selective compliance.
He said rather than acting as a stabilizing force in this chaotic environment, the leadership of INEC has, unfortunately, reinforced public distrust through actions that raise serious concerns about neutrality, consistency, and commitment to democratic values.
“Let it be stated clearly that democracy cannot survive where political parties are incapacitated by judicial confusion and where the electoral umpire is perceived to be complicit whether by action or omission in the suppression of voters and the distortion of political competition.
“Nigeria’s future depends on strong institutions, credible processes, and the protection of the people’s right to freely choose their leaders. These must not be compromised,” the statement added.
