‘Electoral Umpire Shouldn’t Decide Party Leadership’ — Lawyer Wades Into INEC Debate

_By Judicial Affairs Correspondent | Abuja | April 12, 2026_

_________________________

Aloy Ejimakor, Special Counsel to the embattled leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, has waded into the controversy surrounding the Independent National Electoral Commission and ADC, arguing that electoral and judicial bodies should not interfere or determine political party leadership or internal party affairs.

In a post on his official X handle, Ejimakor wrote: _“In serious nations, the electoral umpire & the judiciary have no powers to determine who leads a political party. This is the single factor that forces politicians to behave themselves & embrace discipline & good order. The opposite is retrograde & it portends a failed State.”_

His comments come amid ongoing public debate over INEC’s role in internal party affairs of a notable opposition party, ADC and the perceived impartiality of its leadership ahead of the 2027 general elections. Critics have raised concerns that interventions by INEC or the courts in party leadership disputes could undermine party autonomy and political discipline.

Under Nigeria’s Electoral Act, INEC monitors party primaries and maintains a register of party officials. Ejimakor’s position reflects a broader argument for limiting state institutions’ role in internal party administration.

INEC has not responded to Ejimakor’s remarks as of press time.