The Governor of Oyo State, Seyi Makinde, has raised serious concerns over the credibility and operational procedure of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), accusing the electoral body of acting prematurely in relation to a court judgment involving the African Democratic Congress (ADC).
Makinde expressed shock that INEC allegedly uploaded details relating to the ADC leadership on its official platform without first obtaining a Certified True Copy (CTC) of the court judgment reportedly connected to the matter.
Speaking on the controversy surrounding the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) judgment and the conduct of the electoral umpire, the governor questioned the process through which INEC arrived at its decision, warning that such actions could further weaken public confidence in Nigeria’s democratic institutions.
“We are even surprised at INEC, that they went ahead to upload the ADC leadership on their website without seeing a certified true copy of that judgment, which is not yet out,” Makinde stated.
The governor further criticized what he described as a dangerous institutional practice, suggesting that the commission appeared to rely on unofficial information before taking a major administrative decision affecting a political party.
“What it means is that anybody can whisper a judgment to INEC and they will upload it on their website,” he said.
Makinde argued that the development reflects deeper structural and credibility challenges confronting the nation’s electoral system, particularly at a time when public trust in democratic institutions remains a major concern among Nigerians.
“These are the problems we have with the current INEC institution,” the governor added.
Although he did not provide further details about the specific judgment in question, Makinde’s remarks have already stirred political conversations, especially within opposition circles where concerns over transparency and procedural fairness have continued to dominate public discourse.
Political observers say the governor’s statement underscores growing anxieties about the handling of sensitive political and judicial matters by electoral authorities ahead of future political activities in the country.
The controversy also highlights the increasing intersection between judicial pronouncements and electoral administration in Nigeria, where disputes over party leadership and internal crises often end up before the courts.
It is also believed that any perception of partiality or procedural irregularity by INEC could significantly affect citizens’ trust in the commission, particularly as political parties continue to navigate leadership disputes and realignments.
Makinde’s comments come amid sustained national debates over the independence, transparency, and responsiveness of Nigeria’s democratic institutions, with many stakeholders repeatedly calling for reforms aimed at strengthening electoral credibility.
The remarks have since generated reactions among political actors and supporters online, with some backing the governor’s position on due process, while others insist that INEC acted within its constitutional responsibilities based on available legal information.
As discussions continue, attention is expected to remain focused on both the electoral commission and the judiciary, especially regarding the release of the Certified True Copy of the judgment referenced by the Oyo State governor.
