The Peering Advocacy and Advancement Centre in Africa (PAACA) has waded into the leadership crisis rocking the African Democratic Congress (ADC), calling for a shift toward administrative solutions rather than public confrontation. In a strongly worded statement, the Centre warned that attempts to portray the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) as biased are dangerous and could erode public trust in democratic institutions ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Failure of Internal Dispute Mechanisms
According to PAACA, the escalating tension within the ADC is a direct result of a breakdown in internal dispute resolution. The Centre’s Executive Director, Ezenwa Nwagwu, noted that the controversy could have been avoided if the party had utilized established administrative channels. He pointed to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) as a precedent, noting they previously resolved similar friction through constructive engagement with the electoral umpire.
“There is no need for the ADC’s grandstanding. This is a matter that could have been settled administratively,” Nwagwu stated. “The ADC leadership could have approached INEC for the resolution of grey areas, while also initiating mediation within its ranks. When the PDP had similar issues, they approached INEC and the matters were resolved. However, there is no evidence that the ADC leadership, led by David Mark, has met with INEC to resolve this matter.”
Accountability Beyond Opposition Status
Nwagwu cautioned that while opposition parties often seek public sympathy, they are not immune to scrutiny. He emphasized that any party aspiring to national leadership must demonstrate internal discipline and a commitment to due process.
“Opposition status is not a shield against scrutiny,” the PAACA boss added. “Parties seeking power must demonstrate that they can manage their own affairs in line with due process. That means investing in internal governance, resolving disputes transparently, and engaging institutions constructively.”
The Centre further highlighted a recurring weakness in the Nigerian political landscape: the lack of robust conflict resolution mechanisms within party structures, which often forces internal grievances into the public and legal spheres prematurely.
INEC’s Role and Legal Complexity
Addressing the role of the electoral body, Nwagwu clarified that INEC did not initiate the dispute. He explained that the Commission is currently bound by court orders resulting from litigation filed by ADC members themselves.
He acknowledged the delicate position INEC finds itself in, particularly as it navigates complex legal interpretations. “For INEC, it is a tricky situation. The Commission is currently headed by a Senior Advocate of Nigeria. When you have too many legal experts in the room, the challenge is that you may be dealing with a crisis of legal interpretation,” Nwagwu remarked.
The PAACA Director concluded by urging the media and civil society to remain objective. He stressed the importance of interrogating political processes thoroughly rather than automatically assuming “victimhood” in disputes, insisting that the opposition must be scrutinized just as strictly as the ruling party.
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