The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has called for the immediate removal of the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Joash Amupitan, accusing him of bias and deliberate misinterpretation of a court order in the party’s ongoing leadership dispute.
Speaking at a press briefing on Thursday, ADC National Chairman, David Mark, said the commission’s actions have eroded public trust and undermined democratic principles.
Mark explained that the controversy stems from a March 12 Court of Appeal judgment, which directed all parties — including INEC — to maintain the status quo pending the resolution of the case at the Federal High Court.
According to him, despite this directive, individuals linked to Nafiu Bala approached INEC for recognition in a way that distorted the meaning of status quo ante bellum. He alleged that the move was backed by the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) as part of a broader effort to weaken opposition parties.
“This is not just about the ADC. It is a direct assault on Nigeria’s democracy and the rights of citizens,” Mark stated.
He further claimed that the APC-led Federal Government has consistently undermined opposition parties, describing the ADC as “the last bastion against full-blown dictatorship.”
Mark expressed shock over INEC’s April 1 decision to withdraw recognition from both his leadership and the faction linked to Bala, describing it as a “false equivalence.”
He insisted that Bala had already resigned from his leadership position and therefore could not be legitimately recognised as a factional leader.
“The commission cannot decide who leads a political party. That power does not belong to INEC,” he said.
Mark also accused INEC of contempt of court, arguing that the commission should have sought judicial clarification if there was any uncertainty regarding the ruling.
“At no time was the ADC without a duly constituted leadership. INEC has invented a status quo that never existed,” he added.
Concluding, Mark said INEC’s actions show clear partisanship, declaring that the electoral body “can no longer be trusted.”
