A Chieftain of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Bashorun Dele Momodu, has raised fresh concerns over the neutrality of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), warning that its handling of internal party disputes could undermine public confidence in Nigeria’s democracy.
He made the remarks on Thursday, during an exclusive interview on Frontline, a current affairs programme on Eagle 102.5 FM, Ilese-Ijebu, Ogun State. The discussion centred on the recently concluded ADC convention and INEC’s position on factional leadership within the party. Momodu argued that electoral institutions must be careful not to be seen as politically biased.
The Media mogul maintained that the ADC’s decision to proceed with its convention was not an act of defiance but of constitutional and organisational survival. According to him, political parties have the right to manage their internal affairs without undue interference. He stressed that INEC’s primary responsibility is to act as an impartial referee in elections rather than become involved in internal party conflicts. He warned that any perception of bias could weaken trust in democratic institutions.
“Well, it is not really the business of INEC to intervene and interfere in the affairs of party. Theirs is to be the unbiased umpire; Conduct elections and make sure that the elections are fair and square. But this INEC, this particular INEC, has started very early to show signs that we may not be able to trust them”
Momodu expressed concern that opposition parties are often subjected to faster and stricter scrutiny compared to ruling parties. He suggested that this perceived imbalance could deepen political tension in the country. He also cautioned that democratic institutions must not only act fairly but must also be seen to act fairly. For him, perception is as important as legality in sustaining public confidence.
“Because the hurry with which they deal a blow on opposition parties, I don’t see them doing that to APC. The speed at which they aligned quickly with the weaker faction of, you know, PDP was clear to me that we will be heading for the rocks again like we have done in the past.” I remember Amupitan when he was appointed, he pledged to be one of the best But what I’m seeing, his name is already being rubbished in the mall, which is unfortunate for a man at that commanding height of his life. Nothing is worth a bad name. So I pray for him that he will not waste all that he has attained in life.”
He further argued that the ADC convention was a demonstration of political resilience in the face of institutional uncertainty. He said the party had taken a firm stand to assert its internal authority despite external pressure. According to him, such actions are necessary in a political environment where opposition structures are frequently tested. He insisted that the ADC remains a viable opposition platform.
“But at any rate, what ADC has done is to take its destiny in its hands and to show that they are formidable opposition that cannot be easily thrown under the bus. And so that is where we start. I wish INEC and Professor Amupitan, I wish them the best of luck”.
Momodu also commented on the legal controversies surrounding ADC leadership, insisting that courts, not INEC, should determine party legitimacy. He argued that electoral bodies should not interpret judicial orders in ways that alter internal party structures. He warned that misinterpretation of court rulings could create unnecessary political confusion. He stressed that restraint and caution are required in such sensitive matters.
He said what was happening within the ADC reflected a broader challenge in Nigeria’s democratic process. According to him, legal ambiguity is often exploited in ways that escalate political disputes rather than resolve them. He urged institutions to avoid actions that could be perceived as interference in party autonomy. He maintained that democracy thrives on institutional discipline.
Momodu reiterated that INEC must remain strictly within its constitutional limits. He warned that overreach could set dangerous precedents for future political disputes. He said electoral management should be guided by law, not pressure or political convenience. He maintained that neutrality remains the foundation of electoral credibility.
Dele Momodu, suggested that the leadership of the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, is currently operating under significant pressure in handling sensitive political and legal matters involving party disputes. He argued that such pressure could influence decisions taken by electoral and institutional actors, especially in moments where legal interpretations and political interests overlap.
Momodu maintained that such pressure risks weakening public confidence in the neutrality of the electoral umpire if not carefully managed. He specifically pointed to the INEC Chairman, Prof. Joash Amupitan, as being at the centre of what he described as an intense institutional and political squeeze.
“When you are under pressure, you can do anything. I believe that both INEC and its Chairman, Amupitan, are under intense pressure. And you know the power of the President of Nigeria is that of, to quote an interview I did many, many years ago with Chief Alex Akinyele of blessed memory. He said the President of Nigeria can turn a man into a woman and a woman into a man. That’s the power. So not many people can withstand the blistering pressure from the President of Nigeria. Either directly or indirectly. So, I believe Amupitan is under pressure. And I hope he will not continue to cave in, till he may not be able to stand up again.”
On the ADC convention specifically, Momodu said the party acted within its rights to proceed despite INEC’s stance. He described the convention as a statement of independence and internal organisation. He maintained that political parties must not be paralysed by administrative disputes. He argued that democratic participation must continue regardless of disagreements.
He further emphasised that political resilience is necessary for opposition survival in Nigeria. He said opposition parties often operate under difficult institutional and political environments. He insisted that such conditions require courage and organisational discipline. He maintained that the ADC has demonstrated both.
“what ADC has done is to take its destiny in its hands and to show that they are formidable opposition that cannot be easily thrown under the bus. And so that is where we start. I wish INEC and Professor Amupitan, I wish them the best of luck. I remember Amupitan when he was appointed, he pledged to be one of the best But what I’m seeing, his name is already being rubbished in the mall, which is unfortunate for a man at that commanding height of his life. Nothing is worth a bad name. So I pray for him that he will not waste all that he has attained in life.”
Momodu also reflected on the broader implications of electoral disputes for Nigeria’s democracy. He warned that unresolved tensions between institutions could weaken democratic stability. He called for dialogue and restraint in resolving such conflicts. He maintained that institutional cooperation remains essential for democratic growth.
He insisted that electoral bodies must avoid actions that could be interpreted as favouring one political side over another. He said fairness must remain visible and consistent across all parties. He warned that perception of bias could be as damaging as actual bias. He stressed that credibility is the currency of electoral institutions.
Momodu strongly rejected the suggestion that INEC could be exonerated on the basis that it was acting from a court decision, insisting instead that the Supreme Court has already defined the limits of institutional interference in party affairs.
He argued that the internal structure of political parties remains constitutionally protected from external interpretation by electoral bodies. He maintained that once that boundary is crossed, it creates confusion and undermines democratic order. According to him, the issue is not merely legal interpretation but respect for institutional limits.
“The Supreme Court has declared very clearly that the internal affairs of the party belong to the party. It is not for INEC to interpret or misinterpret an order.”
He further argued that the concept of “status quo” in the ADC matter had been misapplied, stressing that leadership continuity already existed within the party structure before the dispute escalated.
He maintained that where a functioning executive structure is already in place, no external interpretation should be used to disrupt it. He insisted that the presence of an existing leadership removes any justification for administrative interference. For him, misunderstanding this principle creates unnecessary political tension.
“The order was simply to maintain status quo. What was status quo? From last year, both Senator David Mark and Ogbeni Aregbesola have been Chairman and General Secretary of the party ab initio… there was no vacuum in ADC. So, they already had David Mark and others running the affairs of the party.”
He concluded by criticizing what he described as selective interpretation and overreach in applying judicial decisions to party disputes, arguing that such actions distort legal intent and deepen political crises. He maintained that courts are often clear, but actors sometimes choose interpretations that suit political convenience. He warned that this practice undermines confidence in both the judiciary and electoral institutions. According to him, restraint and caution should have guided the handling of the matter until full judicial clarity was achieved.
“So, I’m not surprised that some people chose what was convenient for them. Amupitan chose what was convenient for him and what will please his employers. That is my own personal interpretation of what he did. He had no business… He should have been on the side of caution and then wait till the courts are clearer.”
He further warned that Nigeria’s democratic space is already under pressure and cannot afford institutional confusion. He said every unnecessary conflict adds strain to an already fragile system. He urged restraint across all political and electoral bodies. He maintained that stability must be prioritised.
He also expressed concern that legal disputes are increasingly becoming political tools. He suggested that such developments distort democratic processes. He warned that weaponisation of legal procedures could undermine trust in governance. He insisted that law should serve justice, not political advantage.
“It’s obvious that what we are seeing today is very similar to what happened in 1993 when some people like Francis Arthur Nzeribe and Otunba Abimbola Davies, May his soul Rest in Peace, came up with such debilitating attempts at scuttling the June 12th election. So, we will always have agents who are willing to serve any master. And that is what we are seeing. It is very clear. There is no question whatsoever. We have a preponderance of documents showing very clearly that this man who had not gone to court was a part of what led to the David Marks and Aregbesola’s NWC.”
Momodu maintained that the ADC remains committed to democratic engagement despite internal and external challenges. He said the party continues to position itself as a credible opposition force. He stressed that political parties must not be weakened through administrative ambiguity.
He insisted that clarity strengthens democracy.
“In the last election, Atiku Abubakar came second. And he was able to lock down many, if not most, of the northern states. Peter Obi came Third. And I’m now quoting both INEC and the Supreme Court. So, this is not my personal opinion. Peter Obi came Third, He is in ADC. And Rabiu Musa, Kwakwanso came fourth, He is in ADC.”
“These are all formidable headways. You have Rotimi Amaechi, who came second in the APC primary. Coming after Tinubu. So, you cannot call in a small tribe in ADC. You have a former Speaker of the House of Leaders, my very dear brother, you know, Aminu Waziri Tambuwal. Who has been a Speaker, who has been Governor of Sokoto for eight years. He’s been in the Senate now. So, you have a lot of people with vast experience. So, I believe if you look at it very well, we also have Malam Nasiru El Rufai, our embattled leader, who, Inshallah, will overcome whatever challenges there are today. If they all come together and agree on a very strong candidate, with a strong running mate, I believe that you can see the palpable cheaters of the APC already.”
He reiterated that electoral neutrality must be preserved at all times. He said INEC’s role is critical in sustaining public trust in elections. He warned that any deviation from neutrality could have long-term consequences. He maintained that institutional integrity must be protected.
“If someone later, due to whatever reason or factor, now decides to be disgruntled and heads to court, it does not automatically nullify or annul the existing NWC. You don’t have to be a lawyer. It’s a matter of logic. Law cannot be an axe to suggest that because someone goes to court, then automatically those who are already in charge have been disqualified. That cannot be the meaning of status quo.”
He further argued that Nigeria’s democracy is still evolving and requires careful institutional balancing. He said every action taken by electoral bodies is closely watched by the public. He urged caution in all administrative decisions affecting political parties. He insisted that democracy depends on trust.
Momodu also suggested that political pressure is often behind institutional controversies. He said such pressure must be resisted to protect democratic values. He maintained that institutions must act independently regardless of influence. He warned that compromise weakens democracy.
He stressed that opposition parties must be allowed to organise freely within the law. He said political competition requires a level playing field. He warned that uneven enforcement of rules could distort electoral outcomes. He insisted that fairness must be absolute.
They are scared. And that’s why they have turned themselves into blockers, into goalkeepers. Blocking INEC, blocking judiciary, blocking security, blocking venues, blocking the legislature, which I consider very insane.
He maintained that ADC’s convention was legally and politically justified. He said the party exercised its constitutional rights in proceeding with its internal process. He warned against attempts to delegitimise such actions. He insisted that political autonomy must be respected.
He further emphasised that democracy cannot survive without strong opposition structures. He said weakening opposition parties indirectly weakens democracy itself. He urged institutions to avoid actions that could undermine pluralism. He maintained that diversity of political voices is essential.
Momodu concluded by reaffirming his belief in democratic processes and institutional balance. He said Nigeria’s democratic journey requires patience, discipline, and fairness from all actors. He warned that failure to uphold these principles could damage public trust. He insisted that democracy must be protected through consistent institutional integrity.