ADC Tackles INEC Chairman Over Congress Warning, Insists on Proceeding with Activities

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has strongly criticised Joash Amupitan, chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), over his comments regarding the party’s planned congresses and national convention.

In a statement issued on Friday, the party described the INEC chairman’s remarks during an interview on Arise TV as a misinterpretation of a Court of Appeal directive concerning the ongoing leadership dispute within the party.

Earlier in the week, INEC announced it would no longer recognise factions of the ADC led by David Mark and Nafiu Bala after reviewing a recent appellate court judgement.

Despite this position, ADC’s National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, reaffirmed that the party would go ahead with its scheduled congresses and convention.

Abdullahi argued that INEC’s stance was based on a flawed understanding of the law and an overreach of its constitutional powers. He stressed that proceeding with internal party processes does not violate any court order.

“The commission appears to be misrepresenting both legal principles and constitutional provisions,” he said, adding that the issue at stake goes beyond theory and touches on whether opposition parties are being allowed to function freely within Nigeria’s multi-party system.

He further faulted the interpretation of the court’s directive to maintain the “status quo ante bellum,” stating that such an order is meant to preserve the subject of litigation—not to halt the lawful internal operations of a political party.

According to him, INEC lacks the authority to define what constitutes the status quo in the matter, noting that such determinations rest solely with the courts.

Abdullahi also maintained that conducting congresses or conventions does not invalidate ongoing judicial proceedings, as long as such activities comply with the party’s constitution and the Electoral Act.

He emphasised that INEC’s role is limited to monitoring party activities upon notification, not determining their legality.

“By attempting to equate its monitoring function with the authority to validate or invalidate party processes, INEC is effectively placing itself above the law,” he said.

The ADC spokesperson dismissed comparisons with past electoral disputes, including those in Zamfara State, noting that such cases involved clear violations of legal requirements—unlike the current situation.

Reaffirming the party’s position, Abdullahi stated that the ADC would proceed with its planned activities in full compliance with the law and urged INEC to operate strictly within its constitutional mandate.