ADC Crisis: Kwankwasiyya Warns of Democratic Threat, Seeks Judicial Intervention
KANO — The Kwankwasiyya movement has raised alarm over what it described as growing threats to Nigeria’s democratic system, urging urgent intervention by the National Judicial Council (NJC) over conflicting court rulings affecting political parties.
In a statement issued by its spokesperson, Habib Mohammed, the group said recent developments surrounding the leadership crisis in the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and the response of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) have exposed deep cracks in the country’s democratic institutions.
The movement criticised INEC’s decision to withhold recognition of factions within the ADC pending judicial resolution, noting that the situation reflects a broader pattern of institutional weaknesses that could undermine the credibility of future elections.
It further expressed concern over what it termed contradictory judicial pronouncements on political matters, citing similar disputes in parties such as the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Labour Party (LP), and the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP).
According to the group, the trend of courts of coordinate jurisdiction issuing conflicting orders has weakened internal party democracy and created uncertainty within the political space.
The statement also questioned the neutrality of the electoral body, alleging that its actions have contributed to public distrust rather than stabilising the system.
The movement additionally faulted the introduction of a voter revalidation exercise close to major elections, describing it as ill-timed and potentially capable of disenfranchising millions of eligible voters.
It warned that the combination of judicial inconsistencies, party crises and electoral decisions could pose serious risks to the credibility of the 2027 general elections if not urgently addressed.
While calling for stronger institutional discipline, the group urged the NJC to step in and restore order within the judiciary to prevent further conflicting rulings.
The Kwankwasiyya movement also called on political actors to avoid exploiting the judiciary for partisan purposes and appealed to civil society and the international community to remain vigilant in safeguarding Nigeria’s democracy.
It stressed that the integrity of democratic institutions and the protection of citizens’ voting rights must remain paramount to ensure credible and inclusive elections.
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