Kwankwasiyya warns against shrinking democratic space, urges judiciary, INEC to uphold impartiality

From **Desmond Mgboh, **Kano

The Kwankwasiyya Movement has warned against developments capable of shrinking Nigeria’s democratic space ahead of the 2027 general elections, expressing concern that prolonged leadership disputes, conflicting judicial interpretations and uncertainty surrounding opposition political parties could weaken electoral competition and undermine public confidence in the country’s democratic institutions.

The movement, which reacted to the Federal High Court judgment nullifying the leadership of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) under former Senate President David Mark and the processes that produced former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar as the party’s presidential candidate, called on the judiciary and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to demonstrate strict impartiality in handling political disputes.

In a statement signed by its spokesperson, Habibu Sale Mohammed, the movement maintained that Nigeria’s democracy must be anchored on political pluralism, institutional independence, equal treatment before the law and the protection of citizens’ constitutional rights to freedom of association and political participation.

It expressed concern that the increasing number of legal battles involving opposition political parties, particularly as preparations for the 2027 elections gather momentum, could undermine their ability to organise effectively, present candidates and participate meaningfully in the electoral process.

According to the movement, although the judiciary has the constitutional responsibility to adjudicate disputes arising from the activities of political parties, the exercise of that responsibility must strengthen rather than diminish public confidence in democratic institutions.

It warned that prolonged leadership controversies and conflicting legal interpretations could create uncertainty over the legitimacy of party structures, the status of candidates and the ability of opposition parties to compete on equal terms with the ruling party.

The movement consequently urged the judiciary to discharge its constitutional responsibilities with the highest standards of independence, impartiality, transparency and diligence, stressing that all parties to political disputes must be guaranteed fair hearing and equal protection under the law.

It maintained that judicial decisions must be based strictly on the law, evidence presented before the courts and applicable constitutional and statutory provisions, rather than extraneous considerations capable of raising questions about the integrity of the judicial process.

Kwankwasiyya also called on the Federal Government to demonstrate an unequivocal commitment to political pluralism through its conduct and the actions of relevant public institutions, warning against developments that could undermine the legitimate activities of opposition parties.

The movement stressed that a credible democratic system must guarantee political organisations the freedom to operate within the law, mobilise supporters, present candidates and participate in elections without discrimination or undue institutional interference.

It further urged INEC to remain strictly impartial in the discharge of its constitutional and statutory responsibilities, ensuring that its decisions were guided by the law and valid court orders rather than political considerations or preferential treatment for any faction.

According to the movement, the electoral commission must maintain public confidence by applying relevant laws and regulations consistently to all political parties and candidates, particularly in matters involving party leadership, nominations and electoral participation.

The warning followed the judgment delivered by Justice Peter Odo Lifu of the Federal High Court, Abuja, which invalidated the emergence of Mark, former Osun State governor Rauf Aregbesola and other national officers of the ADC, as well as the processes through which Atiku emerged as the party’s presidential candidate.

The judgment arose from a leadership dispute instituted by Nafiu Bala Gombe, a deputy national chairman of the party, who challenged the emergence of the Mark-led executives on the grounds that the procedures prescribed by the party’s constitution had not been followed.

While the Mark-led leadership rejected the decision and indicated its intention to appeal, the rival faction welcomed the ruling as a vindication of its position.

The controversy has consequently raised questions about the party’s leadership and the status of nominations conducted under the disputed executives, although the ultimate legal implications remain subject to the precise orders of the court and the outcome of any appeal.

The Movement maintained that the dispute underscored the importance of protecting democratic institutions from actions or perceptions capable of undermining their credibility.

It warned that uncertainty surrounding the operations of opposition political parties at a critical stage of the electoral process could weaken political competition and diminish public confidence in the fairness of the 2027 elections.

The movement urged the judiciary, INEC and other relevant institutions to uphold the rule of law, safeguard the rights of political parties and citizens, and ensure that Nigeria’s democratic space remained open to legitimate political participation.

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