In a nation already grappling with institutional decay and political manipulation, the latest controversy surrounding the Chairman of INEC has once again raised a fundamental question: Are Nigeria’s democratic institutions still guided by law, or by political convenience?
At the heart of this unfolding crisis lies a basic legal doctrine, status quo ante bellum, a principle so elementary that even first year law students understand its implication. It simply means a return to the exact position that existed before the disputed action.
Yet, in what can only be described as baffling and deeply troubling, the INEC Chairman, a Professor of Law, chose to interpret this doctrine in a manner that resulted in the removal of the David Mark led Executive Committee of the ADC.
This is not just an error. It is either a profound misreading of the law or something far more sinister.
Legal interpretations from respected senior lawyers have been clear and consistent. The directive to maintain or return to status quo ante bellum means all parties, including Nafiu Gombe and David Mark, must revert to the original structure that existed ab initio before the dispute was brought before the court.
Nothing more, nothing less.
So, where did INEC derive the authority to act otherwise?
This is where the matter becomes dangerously political.
Because when a Professor of Law ignores a principle this basic, Nigerians are left with only two uncomfortable conclusions.
Either the Chairman does not understand the law he professes, or he understands it perfectly and has chosen to weaponise it.
And if it is the latter, then we are staring at a deliberate attempt to destabilise the ADC, weaken opposition structures, and tilt the democratic playing field in favour of the ruling party.
This is not just about ADC. This is about the soul of Nigeria’s democracy.
When institutions that are meant to be neutral arbiters begin to act like political tools, democracy ceases to exist in substance and survives only in name.
INEC must understand this: credibility is not declared, it is earned. And once lost, it is almost impossible to recover.
Nigerians are watching. Closely!
Deacon Ambassador Darlington Okpebholo Ray, a political analyst, Journalist, HR/Media consultant, social and Human Rights activist writes from London, United Kingdom.
