Abdulrahman Aliagan,
The Nigerian Political Science Association (NPSA) has raised alarm over the deepening crisis between the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), warning that the standoff could destabilize Nigeria’s fragile democratic process if not urgently resolved.
In a strongly worded press release issued on April 5, 2026, and signed by its President, Hassan A. Saliu, the association described recent developments within the ADC as troubling, particularly the factional dispute involving the camps loyal to David Mark and Nafiu Bala Gombe.
The crisis escalated following INEC’s decision to delist the party, citing internal leadership disputes and its interpretation of a Court of Appeal ruling directing parties to maintain the status quo ante bellum.
However, the commission’s action has sparked criticism from stakeholders, including the NPSA, who argue that such interpretation may have been premature and counterproductive.
The ADC, in defiance of INEC’s position, has threatened to proceed with its planned national convention regardless of the electoral body’s stance. INEC, on its part, has warned of consequences should the party go ahead without its recognition.
According to the NPSA, the growing hostility between both institutions risks undermining Nigeria’s electoral transition, discouraging voter participation, and exacerbating the already troubling trend of voter apathy. The association cautioned that the situation could also trigger post-election disputes, further straining the nation’s democratic framework.
The association linked the crisis to the controversial takeover of the ADC by the David Mark-led group, reportedly facilitated through the mass resignation of the party’s former executive members—an issue currently before the courts.
To avert what it described as a looming political crisis, the NPSA urged immediate dialogue and political engagement between the ADC and INEC. It emphasized that a consultative meeting should have preceded INEC’s decision to withdraw recognition from the party.
Drawing parallels with past interventions, the association recalled how INEC previously engaged factions within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to prevent escalation of internal disputes.
Among its key recommendations, the NPSA called for:
A formal meeting between INEC and ADC leadership to de-escalate tensions; a return to the Court of Appeal for proper interpretation of its ruling, compliance with judicial directives by all litigants, including reverting to the High Court where necessary, intervention by respected national leaders and traditional rulers to mediate peace and internal reconciliation among ADC factions to reduce reliance on litigation.
https://timenigeria.com/possible-ways-out-of-the-logjam-npsa/
The association strongly cautioned against attempts to internationalise the dispute, describing such moves as risky and potentially damaging to Nigeria’s sovereignty and global image.
It noted that previous instances where domestic political conflicts were taken to the international arena—particularly involving the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the PDP—had adverse consequences for the country’s external relations.
“The current situation does not warrant external interference,” the NPSA stated, urging the ADC to resolve its internal crisis through domestic mechanisms.
The NPSA also advised the ruling party to exercise moderation in managing the political transition, warning that excessive pressure on opposition parties could heighten political tensions.
For INEC, the association stressed the need for caution, urging the commission to act in ways that promote inclusiveness and public confidence rather than deepen suspicion in an already charged political environment.
While expressing confidence that the dispute is resolvable, the NPSA underscored the urgency of intervention to prevent a full-blown political crisis.
It warned that Nigeria’s institutional capacity has been weakened over time, making it ill-prepared to handle another avoidable upheaval, especially amid prevailing security challenges.
“The time for concerned Nigerians to intervene is now,” the association stated, emphasizing that failure to act could plunge the country into deeper instability.
As political tensions continue to mount, stakeholders across the country are watching closely, with growing calls for dialogue, restraint, and a commitment to safeguarding Nigeria’s democratic gains.
