A chieftain of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Basorun 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 a party. Their role 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 of the hurry with which they deal a blow to 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, as we have done in the past.
“I remember Amupitan when he was appointed; he pledged to be one of the best. But from 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 a 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, maintaining 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.”
