Ladan Salihu, a chieftain of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), has accused the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) of eroding the integrity of Nigeria's political system. He made the remarks during a live appearance on Channels Television's Morning Brief, citing concerns over the commission's handling of internal party crises and electoral processes. Salihu pointed to recent controversies involving party leadership disputes, suggesting that INEC's interventions—or lack thereof—have contributed to weakening institutional trust. "INEC has lowered the integrity of politics in Nigeria," Salihu stated,强调 that the body's actions have created openings for manipulation and undermined democratic norms. He argued that inconsistent application of guidelines in resolving party conflicts has favoured certain factions while sidelining others, distorting internal democracy. Salihu called for a comprehensive review of INEC's operational framework to ensure neutrality and transparency. He also urged political parties to strengthen internal governance mechanisms to reduce reliance on regulatory intervention. The ADC leader warned that without structural reforms, public confidence in elections would continue to decline. The ongoing leadership crisis within several political parties, including the ADC, remains unresolved, with competing factions claiming legitimacy. INEC has yet to issue an official response to Salihu's allegations. Legal and political observers expect further appeals and potential court actions as parties navigate leadership disputes ahead of future elections.
When Ladan Salihu says INEC has "lowered the integrity of politics," he is not just criticising a process—he is exposing how regulatory ambiguity empowers power brokers over principles. His own party, the ADC, is caught in a leadership tussle that INEC's delayed and inconsistent rulings have worsened. If the electoral body continues to act as a political arbiter without clear, uniform standards, it won't just oversee elections—it will shape outcomes. That undermines not just parties, but the legitimacy of the entire electoral cycle.
