ADC Knocks INEC Chairman Over “Misinterpretation of Law,” Insists on Right to Hold Congresses
The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has strongly criticized the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Joash Amupitan, accusing him of misrepresenting legal principles and overstepping the Commission’s constitutional role.
In a detailed statement signed by its National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, the party said INEC’s position on the ongoing dispute within the ADC reflects a “fundamental misapplication” of both constitutional provisions and judicial directives.
The party rejected INEC’s claim that its actions are guided by Nigeria’s multi-party system, arguing that the real concern is whether the Commission’s conduct is undermining opposition parties in practice. According to the ADC, citing the existence of multiple political parties does not address allegations of administrative bias or interference.
On the contentious Court of Appeal order, the ADC faulted the INEC Chairman’s interpretation of the doctrine of status quo ante bellum. The party argued that such preservation orders are meant to prevent irreversible changes to the subject of litigation—not to halt internal party activities. It insisted that INEC lacks the authority to define the “status quo,” stressing that such determinations fall strictly within the jurisdiction of the courts.
The ADC further dismissed claims that conducting congresses or conventions could jeopardize ongoing legal proceedings. It maintained that internal party processes, when carried out in line with the law, do not invalidate or prejudice court cases, noting that no explicit court order has barred it from holding such activities.
On INEC’s refusal to monitor party events, the ADC described the Commission’s stance as a misinterpretation of its statutory duties. It argued that while INEC has the responsibility to monitor political party activities upon notification, its participation is not a condition for the validity of those processes. The party accused the Commission of assuming powers it does not possess.
Addressing concerns about factional disputes within the party, the ADC said internal disagreements are common in democratic systems and do not justify freezing a party’s constitutional rights. It emphasized that INEC’s role is not to arbitrate such disputes but to remain neutral while due process takes its course.
The party also rejected comparisons with past cases such as the Zamfara scenario, stating that those involved clear violations of electoral laws, unlike the present situation where it claims compliance with both its constitution and the Electoral Act.
While INEC has defended its cautious approach as necessary to avoid future legal complications, the ADC argued that such reasoning cannot justify what it described as “present overreach” or the suppression of lawful political activities.
Reaffirming its stance, the party declared that its right to organize congresses and hold a national convention remains constitutionally protected and has not been suspended by any court.
“The ADC will proceed with its activities in full compliance with the law,” the statement concluded, urging INEC to operate strictly within its constitutional and statutory limits.
