Kwankwasiyya Movement Warns Of Threats To Nigeria’s Democracy

The Kwankwasiyya Movement has raised concerns over what it described as emerging threats to Nigeria’s democracy, blaming judicial inconsistencies and the conduct of the Independent National Electoral Commission for the development.

.....

The warning was contained in a statement issued on Friday by the movement’s spokesperson, Habibu Mohammed, and made available to journalists.

The movement said recent developments surrounding the leadership crisis within the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and INEC’s decision to suspend recognition of all factions of the party had exposed weaknesses in the country’s democratic institutions.

“Recent developments surrounding the leadership crisis within the African Democratic Congress, and the consequential decision by INEC to suspend recognition of any faction pending judicial determination, have once again exposed the fragile and troubling state of Nigeria’s democratic institutions,” the statement said.

According to the group, while the electoral commission may have acted in compliance with court orders, the broader situation reveals deeper problems within the political system.

“While INEC may claim compliance with court orders, the broader circumstances reveal a dangerous pattern where conflicting judicial pronouncements and administrative decisions combine to paralyse political parties and weaken opposition platforms,” it added.

The movement noted that similar internal crises had affected other opposition parties, including the Peoples Democratic Party, Labour Party, and the New Nigeria Peoples Party.

It said judicial interventions in those parties had often been contradictory and procedurally questionable, leading to prolonged leadership disputes and institutional uncertainty.

“The cumulative effect is the systematic erosion of internal party democracy and the shrinking of the political space necessary for a healthy, competitive system,” the statement said.

The Kwankwasiyya Movement further criticised what it described as a growing disregard for established legal principles, particularly the doctrine of stare decisis.

It also raised concerns over courts of coordinate jurisdiction issuing conflicting orders on similar matters.

“These developments not only undermine the credibility of the judiciary but also create an environment where electoral management becomes susceptible to manipulation, discretion, and selective compliance,” the group said.

The movement also accused the leadership of INEC of reinforcing public distrust through actions that raise questions about the commission’s neutrality and commitment to democratic values.

“Rather than acting as a stabilising force in this chaotic environment, the leadership of INEC has, unfortunately, reinforced public distrust through actions that raise serious concerns about neutrality, consistency, and commitment to democratic values,” the statement added.

It stressed that democracy cannot thrive if political parties are weakened by judicial confusion and if the electoral body is perceived as complicit in undermining political competition.

“Let it be stated clearly that democracy cannot survive where political parties are incapacitated by judicial confusion and where the electoral umpire is perceived to be complicit, whether by action or omission, in the suppression of voters and the distortion of political competition.

“Nigeria’s future depends on strong institutions, credible processes, and the protection of the people’s right to freely choose their leaders. These must not be compromised,” the statement said.