The National Publicity Secretary of the New Nigeria People’s Party, Ladipo Johnson, has responded to concerns raised by the Independent National Electoral Commission over the impact of internal party disputes on its operations, urging the electoral body to focus on restoring public trust in Nigeria’s electoral process.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, Johnson acknowledged that legal battles arising from internal party conflicts impose administrative pressure on the commission but maintained that the credibility challenges facing INEC represent a more serious threat to Nigeria’s democracy.
“It is, in a sense, understandable that INEC complains about the disturbances caused by internal party disputes,” Johnson stated. “Because the Commission is often joined as a necessary party in these suits, it inevitably drains their time and resources.”
He, however, argued that declining public confidence in elections remains the central issue affecting democratic participation in the country.
“While administrative hurdles are real, I strongly urge the INEC Chairman to recognize a far more dangerous reality. The greatest cause of voter apathy in Nigeria is not internal party friction; it is the widespread perception that INEC is complicit in subverting the will of the people,” Johnson remarked.
He added: “A large percentage of the voting public remains convinced that the system is rigged and that their ballots do not count. This crisis of confidence is the primary driver of voter apathy. Until INEC demonstrates absolute transparency and proves it is an unbiased arbiter, no amount of internal party stability will bring Nigerians back to the polling units.”
The NNPP maintained that although political parties must strengthen internal democratic processes, the electoral commission must implement reforms capable of restoring confidence in the sanctity of votes and the integrity of electoral outcomes.
Earlier on Wednesday, the Independent National Electoral Commission expressed reservations over leadership crises, internal conflicts and frequent litigations affecting several political parties, noting that such disputes complicate electoral administration and regulatory oversight.
The INEC Chairman, Professor Joash Amupitan SAN, made the remarks in Ikot Ekpene, Akwa Ibom State, during the opening of a Technical Workshop on the Revision of INEC Regulations and Guidelines for political parties, organised in partnership with the Westminster Foundation for Democracy.
He stated that the commission would strictly enforce its regulations and guidelines governing political parties, particularly during party primaries, to ensure compliance with established democratic standards.
According to the chairman, the revised 2026 guidelines will introduce stricter benchmarks covering membership documentation, financial transparency and enhanced inclusion of women, youth and persons with disabilities in party activities, as part of broader efforts to strengthen internal party governance and electoral integrity nationwide.
