By EricJames Ochigbo
A coalition of civil society organisations (CSOs), under the aegis of League of Civil Society Groups, has cautioned Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) against selective adherence to court orders to sustain public confidence in the electoral process.
President of the coalition, Mr Basah Mohammed, gave the caution while addressing newsmen on the sidelines of a peaceful demonstration in Abuja on Wednesday.
Mohammed said that the caution had become necessary following the Court of Appeal ruling on the African Democratic Congress (ADC) leadership crisis ordering the parties maintain status quo pending determination of the substantive matter before a Federal High Court.
He alleged that INEC had already recognised the Sen. David Mark faction of ADC and was doing businesses with it contrary to the orders of the court.
According to him, INEC occupies a central position in Nigeria’s democratic architecture, adding that its neutrality and credibility must remain beyond reproach.
“An electoral body that appears selective in its adherence to court orders risks undermining public confidence in the electoral process. Once public confidence erodes, democracy itself becomes vulnerable.
“The legitimacy of INEC flows from the Constitution and from the trust of Nigerians; that trust must not be compromised.
“In light of these developments, the League of Civil Society Groups calls for immediate and full compliance with all subsisting court orders.
“Where a court directs that the status quo be maintained, such directives must be respected in both letter and spirit,” he said.
Mohammed also called for transparency in how court orders were being interpreted and implemented.
“Where ambiguity exists, the commission should communicate clearly with the public and provide legal justification for its actions.
“Transparency builds confidence and reinforces institutional credibility,” he said.
The coalition president urged INEC to resist all forms of external pressure from political actors, influential individuals and vested interests seeking to influence its actions.
He said that the independence of INEC must not only exist in theory but must also be demonstrated in practice.
Mohammed called on Nigerians to remain vigilant, saying that democracy thrives when citizens actively defend institutions that uphold the rule of law.
He said that CSOs, labour unions, professional bodies, faith organisations and citizens across the country must continue to advocate for accountability and institutional integrity.
“We also call on the National Assembly to exercise its oversight responsibilities and ensure that public institutions operate within constitutional limits.
“Oversight is a constitutional duty and an essential safeguard for democracy.
“We further call on the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) and the legal community to continue defending the sanctity of judicial pronouncements.
“When court orders are threatened, the legal community must stand firmly in defence of the rule of law.
“Let us be clear, this intervention is not about any political party, it is not about internal disputes within the ADC or any other party.
“It is about Nigeria, it is about protecting the constitution and ensuring that judicial authority remains supreme,” he said.
The Assistant Director of Security, INEC headquarters, Mr Mohammed Hamma, who received the group, said that the commission’s management members were not available for, as they are away in Lagos for a workshop.
Hamma, however, pledged to convey the message of coalition to the management upon their return, for further engagements on the matter.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)