INEC under fire as ADC list demands during protest, seek Amupitan’s sack

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has called for the immediate resignation or removal of the chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Professor Joseph Amupitan (SAN), accusing him of partisanship, constitutional breaches, and actions it claims could undermine Nigeria’s multi-party democracy.

The demand was made on Wednesday during a protest at INEC headquarters in Abuja, where party leaders and supporters gathered to press their concerns.

What started as an internal leadership crisis within the ADC in September has now escalated into a broader political confrontation, with the party raising fresh doubts about the neutrality of the electoral body as Nigeria prepares for the 2027 general elections.

The position was conveyed by Senator David Mark, National Chairman of the ADC, and Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, National Secretary, who accused the INEC chairman of stepping beyond his constitutional role and aligning with factional interests within the party.

“Your recent media interview was not only disgraceful and unbecoming of the high office you occupy, but it also exposed a troubling willingness to descend into partisan controversy,” the party told the INEC chairman.

The dispute centres on what the ADC describes as an attempt by the INEC chairman to publicly interpret court rulings, a move the party insists crosses a constitutional line and blurs the boundary between institutions.

“The interpretation of court judgments is the exclusive preserve of the judiciary. For the Chairman of INEC to publicly assume that role… amounts to a serious constitutional breach,” the party stated.

The ADC said recent actions by the Commission, including its communication with the party, have deepened concerns that INEC may no longer be acting as a neutral umpire.

“This is not only improper; it is dangerous for the credibility of our electoral system,” the party warned.

It also argued that such actions risk weakening the country’s democratic structure, particularly where they appear to interfere in the internal affairs of political parties or elevate factional interests.

“Any action that tilts the electoral playing field strikes at the very heart of democratic pluralism. And all of these you have done,” it said.

The party demanded that the INEC chairman either step down immediately or be removed by the appropriate constitutional authorities.

It also wants the Commission to withdraw what it described as ‘offensive correspondence’ sent to the ADC, issue a formal apology, and commit to staying out of internal party matters.

“INEC is not a court of law. It is not an advocate. It has no mandate to interpret judgments to suit a preferred narrative,” the party added.

To support its claims, the ADC pointed to a series of internal decisions taken in 2025, including multiple National Executive Committee (NEC) meetings that led to the emergence of its current leadership under Senator David Mark.

According to the party, those processes were conducted transparently, attended by INEC officials, and carried out without any objections at the time.

It said the outcomes were formally communicated to INEC, which acknowledged them and updated its records to reflect the new leadership.

The party further claimed that INEC had, in a sworn affidavit before the Federal High Court, confirmed the legitimacy of those processes but alleged that efforts are now being made to pressure officials to reverse their earlier positions.

“We are aware of efforts being made to recant their testimonies which contradict the agenda that you have decided to pursue. This is indeed unconscionable,” the party stated.

While recognising the contributions of many officials within the Commission, the ADC said the chairman’s actions have damaged the institution’s reputation and eroded public trust.

“But you have appeared willing to lay their sacrifices to waste, which today has effectively brought the Commission into disrepute,” it added.

The party warned that if its demands are ignored, it will pursue both legal action and broader civic mobilisation.

“Take note that failure to comply will leave us with no option but to activate all lawful and constitutional mechanisms to ensure accountability.

“The integrity of Nigeria’s democracy cannot and will not be sacrificed on the altar of institutional compromise,” the party said.

ADC’s Demands

•Immediate resignation of the INEC chairman or his removal by appropriate constitutional authorities

•Withdrawal of INEC’s correspondence to the ADC described as “offensive”

•Formal apology from INEC to the ADC

•Commitment by INEC to refrain from interference in the internal affairs of political parties

Enforcement Measures if Ignored:

•Judicial proceedings

•Coordinated civic action

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