NCSCN Raises Alarm Over Politicization of Civil Society Protests
The National Civil Society Council of Nigeria (NCSCN) has expressed serious concerns regarding attempts to mobilize civil society organizations for what it describes as a "national protest" against the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). Executive Director Blessing Akinlosotu stated during a press conference that the council has received intelligence indicating certain actors are seeking to enlist CSOs to advance partisan interests under the guise of civic action.
The council warned that such moves could undermine the integrity and credibility of the civil society space if allowed to proceed. It emphasized that CSOs must remain non-partisan and committed to promoting accountability, transparency, and good governance, rather than being used as tools for political manipulation.
ADC Issues Three-Day Ultimatum to INEC
Meanwhile, the African Democratic Congress (ADC) has raised alarms over what it claims is a plot by the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) to deploy state institutions, including INEC, to stifle opposition parties ahead of the 2027 elections. The party has resolved to occupy INEC offices across Nigeria in a civil protest should the commission fail to restore David Mark as National Chairman and Rauf Aregbesola as National Secretary within three days.
ADC National Publicity Secretary Bolaji Abdullahi addressed journalists in Lagos, alleging that INEC is laying "administrative landmines" to prevent the party from fielding candidates. He explained that the crisis stems from INEC's position that it will no longer receive correspondence from ADC pending the determination of a suit before the Federal High Court.
"What INEC is doing creates a direct and dangerous conflict with clear statutory timelines," Abdullahi stated. "By refusing to receive our correspondence, the commission is effectively blocking compliance with the law."
Documentary Evidence and Leadership Recognition
The party insists that documentary evidence, including certified INEC records, monitoring reports, and court filings, demonstrates that the commission had previously recognized its leadership. According to Abdullahi, INEC monitored the ADC National Executive Committee meeting on July 29, 2025, documented proceedings, and subsequently updated its records to reflect the emergence of Senator David Mark as National Chairman and Rauf Aregbesola as National Secretary.
"These are not claims but facts contained in INEC's own records," he emphasized, adding that the commission's sworn affidavit before the Federal High Court also affirmed the leadership transition and acknowledged that such internal party matters were beyond judicial interference.
However, Abdullahi described INEC's current stance as contradictory and dangerous, especially given that last week, the commission began derecognizing Mark and Aregbesola, signaling a leadership vacuum within the opposition party.
Youth Demands and Internal Party Crisis
National Youth Leader of ADC, Balarabe Rufa'i, held a separate press conference in Abuja, demanding a public apology from INEC for alleged unconstitutional and partisan behavior. He stated: "INEC must publicly apologize to Nigerians for its unconstitutional and partisan conduct, cease all actions based on letters, pending motions, or non-binding processes without express court orders, respect and uphold the rule of law by refraining from interpreting court directives, and ensure full neutrality and independence in all its operations going forward."
Rufa'i also called for the immediate resignation or removal of the INEC Chairman for presiding over actions that have undermined the commission's credibility. He warned that if INEC fails to comply within 72 hours, ADC youths and concerned Nigerians, including CSOs, will initiate nationwide peaceful and lawful civic action across all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory.
In Gombe State, the ADC Youth Network issued a 48-hour ultimatum to controversial party leader Nafiu Bala, demanding he reverse his recent statements and accept his reported resignation from the party. Convener Abubakar Galafi expressed outrage over what he described as an internal "hijack of democracy," accusing Bala of undermining the party's unity and credibility.
"We reject any narrative that legitimizes actions that threaten the independence of ADC," Galafi declared. "We reject any alignment that serves personal ambition over party principles."
The group reiterated its position, rejecting any actions it believes threaten the party's independence and giving Bala two days to quit the party's top position. This internal crisis has escalated beyond mere disagreement, with allegations that Bala's actions constitute a deliberate assault on the democratic values ADC stands for.
