The Independent National Electoral Commission has come under intense criticism, following the derecognition of the leadership of the African Democratic Congress on Wednesday.
Opposition heavyweights and top leaders of the ADC on Thursday condemned the electoral umpire for the decision, accusing the commission of acting under the influence of the All Progressives Congress-led Federal Government.
As a result, they called for the immediate removal of the Chairman of INEC, Prof Joash Amupitan (SAN).
However, in a swift reaction, the elecctoral umpire dismissed the calls for Amupitan’s removal.
In a statement on Thursday night in Abuja, and signed by the Chief Press Secretary to the INEC Chairman, Adedayo Oketola, the commission acknowledged the right of stakeholders to express their views, but stressed that its operations and leadership structure are constitutionally protected.
“It is imperative to clarify that INEC is a creation of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. The appointment, tenure, and removal of the Chairman and National Commissioners are strictly governed by Section 157 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended).”
INEC on Wednesday announced its decision to delist key ADC figures, including National Chairman David Mark, National Secretary Rauf Aregbesola, and others.
The INEC National Commissioner and Chairman of the Information and Voter Education Committee, Mohammed Haruna, stated that the decision was in compliance with a court order directing the commission to maintain the status quo pending the trial court’s determination of the case.
The ADC has faced a leadership crisis since July 2025, following Mark’s emergence as head of the new National Working Committee.
Disagreements over former chairman Ralph Nwosu’s role in the 2025 transition sparked internal opposition.
The dispute escalated as rival groups laid claim to the party’s leadership, resulting in multiple court cases. This has created uncertainty within the ADC, raising concerns that the internal conflict could weaken its preparedness for the 2027 general elections.
