Former Kogi State senator and African Democratic Congress (ADC) chieftain, Dino Melaye, has accused the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) of showing bias in its recent handling of political party matters.
His reaction follows reports that INEC removed the names of some ADC leaders from its official portal, a development that has triggered criticism within the party and raised questions about the commission’s neutrality.
In a video shared on his verified X account on Tuesday, April 21, 2026, Melaye claimed that INEC misinterpreted a court judgment and acted beyond its constitutional role.
He argued that the electoral body should not assume the role of a court or attempt to interpret legal rulings in ways that affect political parties.
Expressing his displeasure, Melaye used a football analogy to describe what he perceived as partiality in INEC’s actions.
He said: “INEC is behaving now like there is a football match between Man U and Arsenal and the referee is wearing Man U jersey. That is the situation. So, the truth of the matter is that INEC is not the court.”
According to him, such behaviour undermines public trust in the electoral umpire and raises concerns about fairness in Nigeria’s democratic process.
Melaye maintained that INEC must remain neutral and strictly follow legal and constitutional procedures rather than taking actions that appear politically motivated.
The remarks have since generated reactions across social media, with Nigerians divided over whether the commission acted appropriately or exceeded its authority.
The controversy adds to ongoing debates about electoral integrity and the need for stronger institutional independence in Nigeria’s political system.
Observers say the dispute reflects broader tensions between political parties and electoral institutions in the country, especially during periods of legal interpretation and party leadership disputes. Many have called for clearer guidelines to prevent misunderstandings and to strengthen confidence in INEC’s decisions going forward. Stakeholders insist that transparency and adherence to constitutional roles remain essential for credibility and public confidence in elections nationwide remains crucial always important.
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