Kwankwasiyya Movement demands INEC chairman’s resignation over ADC crisis, voter revalidation plan

The Kwankwasiyya Movement has called for the immediate resignation of the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), accusing the electoral body of actions that could undermine Nigeria’s democratic process ahead of the 2027 general elections.

In a press statement issued on April 3, 2026, the movement expressed concern over what it described as a dangerous combination of judicial inconsistencies and questionable decisions by INEC, particularly in relation to the leadership dispute within the African Democratic Congress (ADC).

INEC recently announced that it would suspend recognition of any faction of the ADC until the courts determine the legitimate leadership of the party, a move the movement says reflects deeper institutional weaknesses in Nigeria’s democratic framework.

According to the statement signed by Habibu Sale Mohammed, spokesperson of the group, the situation highlights a troubling pattern where conflicting court orders and administrative decisions combine to paralyse political parties and weaken opposition platforms.

The group argued that the ADC crisis is only the latest example of what it called a recurring trend in Nigeria’s political system. Similar leadership disputes, it said, have affected the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), the Labour Party (LP), and the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP).
According to the movement, these disputes have often been prolonged by contradictory court rulings and legal interventions that undermine internal party democracy and shrink the country’s political space.

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The statement also criticised what it described as growing disregard for legal precedents in the judiciary, noting that courts of equal jurisdiction have increasingly issued conflicting rulings on similar matters, thereby weakening public confidence in both the legal system and electoral governance.

Rather than stabilising the political environment, the movement said the conduct of INEC under its current leadership has deepened public distrust.

It further raised concerns over INEC’s proposed voter revalidation exercise, which it said is being introduced too close to critical electoral timelines.

The movement described the exercise as ill-timed and potentially capable of disenfranchising millions of eligible voters if implemented without adequate consultation and preparation.

According to the statement, the policy risks creating administrative obstacles for voters and may discourage participation at a time when confidence in Nigeria’s electoral system is already fragile.

“This revalidation exercise bears all the hallmarks of a systemic trap capable of suppressing voter turnout and distorting electoral participation,” the statement said, warning that it could disproportionately affect opposition-leaning constituencies.

The movement warned that the combination of judicial inconsistencies, political party crises and controversial electoral policies could undermine the credibility of future elections, particularly as Nigeria prepares for the 2027 polls.

Consequently, it demanded the immediate resignation of the INEC chairman, the suspension of the voter revalidation exercise, and stronger intervention by the National Judicial Council (NJC) to address conflicting court rulings.

The movement also urged political actors to avoid using the judiciary for partisan purposes while calling on civil society organisations and the international community to remain vigilant in defending Nigeria’s democratic space.

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