ADC warns judiciary overstepping party affairs harms Nigeria's democracy
ADC spokesperson Mabel Oboh warned that allowing courts to manage political party affairs threatens Nigeria’s democracy, reacting to a Court of Appeal judgment that barred INEC from recognizing state congresses held under the ADC caretaker committee led by Senator David Mark. Oboh said judicial oversight should ensure parties follow their constitutions and the Electoral Act, not take over party administration. She cited precedents like Onuoha v Okafor (1983), PDP v Sylva (2012) and APC v Marafa (2020), noting courts should annul flawed processes and order fresh congresses, not create new tenures. She argued that letting courts pick party officers undermines internal party democracy and could affect candidate selection ahead of the 2027 elections, leaving voters to choose leaders imposed by courts rather than party members.
Why does this matter to you? If courts start appointing party officials, the candidates you see on the ballot may reflect judicial decisions rather than party primaries, influencing the quality of representation you receive. It also raises concerns about the balance between judicial independence and party autonomy, a core issue for Nigeria’s democratic health.
What should you know or do? Consider whether judicial intervention in party disputes should be limited to enforcing rules, and think about how you want party candidates chosen—through internal democratic processes or court orders—as you prepare for the 2027 elections.