Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde has raised concerns about the credibility of Nigeria’s electoral body, Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), following its rapid update of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) leadership on its official platform.
Speaking on Monday, Makinde questioned INEC’s decision to recognize a faction of the African Democratic Congress led by David Mark shortly after the Supreme Court ruling on April 30. The judgment reportedly favored Mark’s group over rival claimants within the party.
The governor expressed surprise that the electoral commission acted without waiting for a Certified True Copy (CTC) of the court ruling. According to him, the absence of an official document raises concerns about the verification process behind such updates.
Makinde warned that this approach could undermine public trust, suggesting that acting on unverified information may create loopholes for manipulation. He stressed that such actions could set a troubling precedent, especially as political activities begin to intensify ahead of the 2027 general elections.
INEC’s move effectively reversed an earlier decision in which the Mark-led faction had been removed from its records. The development comes amid broader leadership disputes within Nigeria’s political landscape, including divisions within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), where Makinde is also aligned with a faction operating independently.
Legal analysts note that it is not uncommon for INEC to act on court pronouncements before full documentation becomes available, as delays in obtaining certified copies can slow down administrative processes. However, critics argue that this practice can deepen political mistrust and fuel partisan tensions.
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Makinde, while addressing the issue, emphasized the need for transparency and due diligence in electoral administration, insisting that public confidence in democratic institutions must not be compromised.
