The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has advised politicians to prioritise mediation and other alternative dispute resolution (ADR) mechanisms instead of relying solely on courts and election tribunals to resolve political disputes ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The appeal was made by the director of litigation and prosecution at INEC, Sulayma Ibrahim, during the ‘Mediation Without Borders’ summit organised by the Institute of Chartered Mediators and Conciliators (ICMC) in Abuja.
Ibrahim, who represented INEC secretary Rose Oriaran-Anthony, noted that electoral processes were often accompanied by disputes ranging from allegations of fraud and procedural irregularities to claims of bias and contested outcomes.
He warned that if such disputes are not properly managed, they could escalate into political instability, violence, and broader national crises.
According to him, mediation offers a practical and effective tool for de-escalating tensions, stressing that ADR mechanisms could, in many cases, deliver faster and more satisfactory outcomes than conventional court processes.
Ibrahim said Nigeria had witnessed a growing reliance on mediation in recent years, revealing that INEC has recorded over 20 mediation cases through its ADR directorate.
He added that the directorate had now been upgraded into a division under the commission’s litigation and prosecution department, enhancing its capacity to handle disputes promptly and efficiently.
“The legal framework of electoral processes and dispute resolution in Nigeria is anchored on the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria,” he said.
“Parties can settle disputes through mediation and still achieve results, rather than ventilating their grievances at election tribunals or conventional courts.”
Ibrahim referenced the dispute between the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Labour Party (LP) over the control of the party, which generated significant controversy.
He said INEC successfully resolved the conflict through its ADR mechanism, strengthening the party’s administrative stability.
Ibrahim also highlighted international precedents, including the 2007–2008 post-election crisis in Kenya, which led to widespread violence and displacement.
He noted that mediation led by former United Nations Secretary-General Kofi Annan helped broker a power-sharing agreement between then President Mwai Kibaki and opposition leader Raila Odinga, restoring order and preventing further bloodshed.
He said the Kenyan example demonstrates how mediation can preserve democratic institutions, reduce tensions, and avert humanitarian crises.
The INEC official urged political actors to adopt peaceful dispute resolution mechanisms as Nigeria prepares for another electoral cycle, emphasising that mediation remains a critical tool for sustaining democracy and national stability.
