The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has renewed its call for the resignation or removal of the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Joash Amupitan, restating earlier demands over what it described as bias and interference in the party’s internal affairs.
The party insisted that the emergence of its current leadership under former Senate President David Mark followed due process, which it said had been acknowledged by INEC itself, reports The Nation.
In a letter dated April 8 and addressed to the INEC chairman, following its protest at the INEC office, ADC demanded either his immediate resignation “in the interest of preserving the integrity of INEC” or his removal by the appropriate constitutional authorities for “gross misconduct, abuse of office, and violation of constitutional boundaries.”
The letter, jointly signed by Mark and the party’s National Secretary, Rauf Aregbesola, also called for the withdrawal of what it described as “offensive correspondence” issued by the Commission to the party, a formal apology, and a commitment to refrain from further interference in political party affairs.
The ADC warned that it would activate “all lawful and constitutional mechanisms,” including judicial proceedings and coordinated civic action, if its demands were not met.
“We write to convey our strongest condemnation of your recent actions and public statements, which have further deepened concerns about your fitness to continue in office,” the party stated.
The youth wing of the party had, two days ago, issued a 72-hour ultimatum to the electoral Commission, threatening nationwide protests if its demands are not met.
The group is seeking the restoration of the party’s 2025-recognised leadership, including the immediate reinstatement of the David Mark-led leadership on INEC’s official portal.
It also demanded a public apology from the Commission and assurances of neutrality in line with the rule of law.
However, in its letter today, the party criticised a recent media interview by the INEC chairman, describing it as inappropriate and alleging that it reflected a partisan posture inconsistent with the Commission’s constitutional role.
The party also faulted what it described as an attempt by the INEC chairman to interpret court judgments, arguing that such powers reside exclusively with the judiciary.
“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 letter read.
According to the ADC, the Commission’s conduct, including its earlier correspondence, has reinforced concerns that it may be aligning with factional interests within the party, a development it warned could undermine confidence in the electoral system.
The party referenced internal developments, noting that a former official whose authority was allegedly being relied upon had participated in a National Executive Committee meeting where the National Working Committee led by Ralph Nwosu was dissolved.
It argued that any subsequent reliance on that individual’s authority or signature lacked legal basis.
The ADC maintained that INEC has no mandate to act as an interpreter of judicial decisions or to interfere in the internal affairs of political parties, warning that such actions could erode Nigeria’s multi-party democratic system.
“We state, without equivocation, that the ADC will resist any such attempt — lawfully, firmly, and resolutely,” the party said.
While acknowledging the contributions of INEC officials, the ADC said recent actions by the commission’s leadership had brought the institution into disrepute and weakened public confidence in the electoral process.
