ADC Warns Judiciary's Role Could Harm Nigeria's Democracy

Mabel Oboh, spokesperson for the African Democratic Congress (ADC), cautioned that permitting the judiciary to administer political party affairs could harm Nigeria's democratic development. Her remarks came in response to a recent court ruling that restrained the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) from recognizing the ADC's state congress conducted under a caretaker committee led by Senator David Mark.

Oboh emphasized the necessity of judicial oversight to uphold the rule of law while advocating for limited judicial intervention in party administration. She argued that INEC's role should be supervisory rather than managerial, as outlined in the 1999 Constitution and the Electoral Act of 2022.

Oboh referenced several Supreme Court decisions to support her position that courts should not replace democratic processes within political parties. She reaffirmed confidence in the judiciary's independence and the importance of maintaining a balance between judicial oversight and party autonomy to protect Nigeria's democratic future.