Ondo State Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Olukayode Ajulo (SAN), has urged political parties to uphold internal democracy and strictly comply with electoral laws.

Mr Ajulo made the call in a statement on Friday in Akure, reacting to the Thursday judgment that nullified the African Democratic Congress (ADC) leadership structure.

He described the judgment delivered by Justice Peter Lifu of the Federal High Court as a major setback for political impunity.

The commissioner stressed that political parties were public democratic institutions, not private estates belonging to influential individuals.

He stated, “You cannot microwave democracy and democracy is not instant noodles!.”

Mr Ajulo argued that party leadership must emerge through lawful and credible processes rather than arrangements driven by political influence.

“Leadership cannot be assembled in a political kitchen, seasoned with influence, and served as legitimacy,” he said.

He cited Section 223(1)(a) of the 1999 Constitution, as amended, which mandates periodic democratic elections for political party executives.

He also referenced Section 82(1) of the Electoral Act 2022, which provides for statutory notices preceding party congresses.

Mr Ajulo acknowledged that Section 40 of the Constitution guarantees freedom of association but said this did not exempt political parties from legal requirements.

“These provisions are not ornamental; they are safeguards against arbitrary political succession and the capture of party institutions by powerful interests,” he said.

He added that no influential political figure could place themselves above the laws governing political parties.

Mr Ajulo also cited Supreme Court decisions in Amaechi v. INEC and Shinkafi v. Yari, which he said established the importance of compliance with party constitutions and governing laws.

Acknowledging the ADC’s constitutional right to appeal the judgement, he described judicial review as essential to protecting democratic institutions.

“The right of appeal is sacrosanct, but it must not be confused with a licence to disregard constitutional standards of internal party governance,” he said.

Mr Ajulo maintained that his position was based on legal principles rather than partisan considerations.

He stated, “This is not about being partisan; it is about the law. You cannot break the rules to build a political party and then invoke democracy to defend the breach.” 

(NAN)