Human rights lawyer Femi Falana has openly criticized the Independent National Electoral Commission for what he described as a wrong interpretation of a court order tied to the allegedly leadership crisis rocking the African Democratic Congress.
Speaking at the fifth Comrade Yinka Odumakin Memorial Lecture in Lagos, Falana explained in clear terms that the electoral body misunderstood the legal phrase status quo ante bellum, a doctrine often used in court rulings. According to him, the phrase simply refers to restoring things to how they were before a dispute started, not creating confusion or altering leadership positions.
He questioned the approach taken by INEC, asking a straightforward question that he believes should guide any fair interpretation of the ruling which is who was in charge before the issue was taken to court. In his view, that answer should determine what the court intended, not any selective reading of legal language.
Falana went further to argue that the way the order is being applied appears to benefit the ruling All Progressives Congress, raising concerns about fairness in the political system. He warned that such actions could deepen public suspicion and weaken trust in democratic institutions.
He also expressed worry about what he sees as a growing fear that Nigeria could drift toward a one party system. According to him, this fear is not only fueled by political actors but also by the role of the judiciary and senior lawyers, who he believes should be more careful and balanced in how legal decisions are interpreted and enforced.
Falana’s remarks highlight broader concerns about transparency, accountability, and the proper use of legal principles in resolving political disputes in the country.
