Political parties’ internal crisis have negative impact on electoral integrity, says INEC

Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) Prof. Joash Amupitan said on Thursday that internal crisis and lack of internal party democracy within registered political parties were having a negative impact on the nation’s electoral integrity.

Speaking at the first quarterly consultative meeting between the commission and leaders of the registered political parties, the INEC Chairman said that frequent leadership squabbles within various political parties across our esteemed nation.

He said numerous litigations, in which the Commission often finds itself joined as a party, divert its attention from the primary mandate of ensuring free, fair, and credible elections in Nigeria, adding that as the guardians of our electoral process, we are compelled to address these issues not just for the sake of our institution, but for the greater good of our democracy

He said, “Our collective commitment to maintaining the integrity of our electoral processes is being challenged by the unfortunate and increasingly frequent leadership squabbles within various political parties across our esteemed nation.

“The essence of democracy is rooted in the ability of political parties to flourish, debate, and contest ideologies in a manner that respects the tenets of fair play and mutual respect.

“However, it is with great concern that I note the current trend of infighting among party leaderships, which not only detracts from the core objectives of these political entities but also spills over into unnecessary legal battles that tax our judicial system and public resources.

“These numerous litigations, in which the Commission often finds itself joined as a party, divert our attention from our primary mandate: to ensure free, fair, and credible elections in Nigeria. As the guardians of our electoral process, we are compelled to address these issues not just for the sake of our institution, but for the greater good of our democracy.

“The implications of these squabbles are far-reaching. They create an environment of uncertainty for party members and supporters, erode public trust in the political system, and undermine the democratic process that we all hold dear. Each litigation not only consumes time and resources but also distracts from the important work of mobilizing voters and engaging with the public on critical national issues.

“As an Independent body, INEC remains neutral, but we seek to remind all political parties that cohesive and transparent leadership is essential for the health of our democracy. We urge party leaders to prioritize constructive dialogue over divisive disputes, to foster unity within their ranks, and to focus on policy development and community engagement rather than internal strife.”

Speaking on the registration of new political parties, the INEC Chairman announced the registration of two new political parties to bring the number of parties in the country to 21.

Prof. Amupitan said, “You will recall that the Commission received a total of 171 letters of intent from associations seeking registration as political parties. The associations were assessed in line with Sections 222 and 223 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended), Sections 75 and 79(1), (2) and (4) of the Electoral Act, 2022, as well as Clause 2 of the Commission’s Regulations and Guidelines for Political Parties, 2022.

“Consequently, 14 associations that satisfied the initial prequalification were invited to proceed to the next stage. Of these, 8 successfully uploaded their documents on the Commission’s dedicated portal.

“They are the All Democratic Alliance (ADA), Citizens Democratic Alliance (CDA), Abundance Social Party (ASP), African Alliance Party (AAP), Democratic Leadership Alliance (DLA), Green Future Party (GFP), National Democratic Party (NDP), and the Peoples Freedom Party (PFP).

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“Out of the eight above, only two qualified for final assessment and verification of due compliance with the Constitution and the Electoral Act. After due consideration, only the Democratic Leadership Alliance (DLA) was found to have complied fully with the requirements of the law.

“Accordingly, the Commission has decided to register the Democratic Leadership Alliance (DLA) as a political party, effective from today, 5th February 2025.

“Furthermore, the Federal High Court sitting in Lokoja, Kogi State, in Suit No. FHC/LKJ/CS/49/2025 between Barr Takori Mohammed Sanni & Ors v. INEC ordered the Commission to register the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) as a political party.

“The Commission has decided to comply with the order and is being registered as a political party. Certificate of Registration will be handed over to the two new political parties in due course”.

He assured that the Commission remains committed to openness and accountability as the nation navigates this period of intense electoral activity, beginning with the FCT Area Council polls on February 21, 2026, to the upcoming governorship contests in Ekiti and Osun.

He said, “INEC under my leadership will continue to be guided by the provisions of the electoral legal framework comprising the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, the Electoral Act, our regulations and guidelines, and practice direction from the Courts.

“As we look towards the 2027 General Elections, it is imperative that we remain vigilant and proactive. We must prepare for a seamless electoral process that embodies the ideals of democracy, justice, and inclusivity.”

Chairman of the Inter-Party Advisory Council, Dr. Yusuf Dantalle, said the responsibility before us is enormous. Nigerians’ expectations for a better, stronger, and more prosperous democratic nation are exceedingly high. As the electoral umpire, INEC bears a profound constitutional duty.

The IPAC Chairman said the Commission must remain independent, neutral, fair, firm, and decisive in conducting elections that are free, fair, credible, transparent, and inclusive, and must always provide a level playing field for all political parties and candidates, mindful that its integrity is tested each time citizens go to the polls.

He said IPAC is aware of leadership disputes within some political parties and asked INEC to be guided strictly by the constitutions of the respective parties when addressing such matters, particularly concerning the leadership it recognizes and publishes on its website.

“Such recognition confers legitimacy and determines the official leadership with which the Commission engages. Adhering to this principle will dispel perceptions of bias, complicity, or interference in internal party affairs.

“It will also reduce the litigations that have disrupted party activities, prevented some parties from fielding candidates, and created uncertainty about their relevance and viability. This situation is detrimental to sustainable democracy and national development.”

Dantalle appealed to political party leaders to utilize IPAC’s internal alternative dispute resolution mechanisms rather than resorting prematurely to the courts, even after the Supreme Court has repeatedly affirmed a lack of jurisdiction over internal party leadership disputes.

He said, “After 27 years of uninterrupted democratic governance, 66 years of Independence, and over a century of political party development in Nigeria, as we approach the eighth general election under INEC’s supervision, we must resolve to get it right. There should be no excuse for elections that fall short of credibility, transparency, and public acceptability.

“We must collectively demonstrate faith in the democratic process and an unwavering commitment to making it work. Accordingly, IPAC urges political parties to uphold internal democracy and strictly comply with their constitutional provisions in the nomination of candidates and changes in leadership.

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“There must be no room for the imposition of candidates or unlawful tenure elongation in violation of party constitutions. As party leaders, we must lead by example and uphold democratic values, ethics, and principles.

“IPAC calls on the National Assembly of Nigeria to expedite action on the harmonization of the electoral legal framework for the forthcoming general election, as time is of the essence. IPAC had advocated for the real-time transmission of the election results to the IReV portal to be mandatory.

“Citizens expect an improved electoral framework that restores trust and confidence in the democratic system — one in which every vote counts and the people’s mandate is respected. The sanctity of the ballot is the foundation of durable democracy, and we must defend it to preserve constitutional governance.

“IPAC also advocates for the conduct of all elections on the same day. This approach will reduce costs, prevent bandwagon effects, and address voter fatigue and low turnout associated with staggered polls.

“The conduct of the FCT Area Council election and the forthcoming governorship elections in Ekiti State and Osun State will send a strong signal regarding expectations for the 2027 General Election. The Commission must rise to the occasion. Indeed, the eyes of the nation — and the world — are upon us.

“As the umbrella body of all registered political parties in Nigeria, IPAC will continue to collaborate with INEC and other stakeholders in deepening democracy, fostering political stability, and creating an environment conducive to successful elections and the well-being of citizens.”