By Giwa Douglas
The Northern Awareness Network (NAN) has faulted recent comments made by former Governor of Rivers State, Rotimi Amaechi, and former Governor of Kaduna State, Nasir El-Rufai, over the alleged role of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in frustrating the registration of the All Democratic Alliance (ADA).
In a strongly worded statement released by its Chairman, Salihu Suleiman, the group described the comments from the two political figures as “misguided, misleading, and a thinly veiled attempt to blame a credible institution for their political failures.”
Suleiman said, “The remarks made by Amaechi and El-Rufai reflect a gross misunderstanding of the responsibilities of INEC and an irresponsible attempt to discredit a body that has consistently demonstrated its commitment to free and fair electoral processes.”
According to NAN, the assertion by Amaechi that INEC is deliberately obstructing the registration of new political parties is not only baseless but smacks of desperation by politicians who have lost touch with the grassroots and are struggling to maintain relevance in the country’s evolving political landscape.
The group emphasized that INEC’s role is governed by clear legal and administrative frameworks, noting that all political associations seeking registration must meet constitutional and regulatory requirements — including providing a verifiable party address and details of its national officers.
“These requirements,” Suleiman explained, “are not designed to frustrate political groups but to ensure that parties are genuinely grounded in democratic principles and not just paper coalitions created to serve personal ambitions.”
NAN added that rather than accusing INEC of bias, political leaders should focus on fulfilling these basic criteria and mobilizing grassroots support if they hope to be taken seriously.
The organization also expressed concern over a recent remark by El-Rufai, who cast doubt on INEC’s impartiality, claiming the commission was unlikely to register ADA. NAN described such statements as “reckless and damaging to the credibility of democratic institutions.”
“It is particularly worrisome that a former governor who once championed the independence of INEC would now turn around to undermine it with careless allegations,” Suleiman said.
NAN urged political stakeholders to engage INEC with decorum and maturity, stressing that public trust in electoral institutions is crucial for the sustainability of Nigeria’s democracy.
The statement continued: “Casting aspersions on INEC’s integrity without evidence erodes public confidence and promotes a narrative of political victimhood that is neither accurate nor helpful. Opposition groups must realize that their problems lie not with INEC, but with their inability to connect meaningfully with the electorate.”
The NAN concluded by calling on El-Rufai, Amaechi, and others in the ADA coalition to “engage in genuine political organizing, develop people-focused manifestos, and desist from scapegoating national institutions for their internal weaknesses.”
According to NAN, true political relevance is earned by engaging citizens, not by forming elite alliances or launching unfounded attacks on regulatory bodies.
“INEC is not the problem,” the group said. “If anything, the political class must rise to the challenge of building credible alternatives that resonate with the aspirations of ordinary Nigerians.”
ENDS
Middle-Belt Times 