Prominent human rights lawyer Femi Falana and Aare Ona Kakanfo of Yorubaland Gani Adams have warned that recent developments involving the judiciary, electoral authorities, and political actors could push Nigeria toward a one-party state.
Their concerns come amid the ongoing leadership dispute within the African Democratic Congress (ADC), which has drawn national attention following legal battles and intervention by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
Falana and Adams alleged that actions by some courts, senior lawyers, INEC, and the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, amount to undue interference in the internal affairs of political parties. They argued that such interference, including what they described as the misinterpretation of a “status quo” court injunction, could weaken opposition parties like the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the ADC.
According to them, if the trend continues unchecked, it could result in a scenario where only one viable presidential candidate emerges in the 2027 general elections, thereby undermining Nigeria’s multi-party democracy.
However, INEC has dismissed claims of any plan to facilitate a one-party state. The electoral body, through its chairman, Joash Amupitan, reaffirmed its commitment to neutrality and adherence to the rule of law.
Amupitan stated that INEC’s actions are guided strictly by court orders and legal frameworks, adding that the commission has no interest in interfering in party politics. He also cautioned a faction of the ADC reportedly aligned with former Senate President David Mark against violating a subsisting court injunction related to party congresses and its national convention.
The dispute has heightened political tension, with analysts warning that prolonged legal battles and institutional involvement in party matters could have far-reaching implications for Nigeria’s democratic stability ahead of the 2027 elections.
