Civil Society Backs INEC, Urges Political Parties to Unite

On Thursday, civil society and youth groups in Nigeria rallied in support of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and its chairman, urging political parties to resolve their internal disputes without distracting the electoral body as it prepares for the 2027 general elections. During a solidarity event at INEC headquarters, Ambassador Bless Akinlosotu, the Executive Director of the National Civil Society Council of Nigeria (NCSCN), emphasized that ongoing protests against INEC were unnecessary distractions stemming from internal political issues.

He highlighted the need for political parties, including factions led by David Mark and Nafiu Bala, to focus on resolving their disputes rather than protesting against INEC. Babangida Isah, representing the National Youth Council of Nigeria, stated that the youth should not allow INEC to be dragged into partisan politics.

Jethro Annum from the Nigerian Youth Congress described INEC as a regulatory umpire essential for overseeing elections, while Maazi Oscar David Kalu noted that internal crises within the African Democratic Congress (ADC) have persisted since mid-2025 and have led to court actions that complicate their leadership structure.