The Independent National Electoral Commission INEC has dismissed calls by the African Democratic Congress ADC for the removal of its Chairman, Joash Amupitan, while clarifying its recent actions concerning the party’s leadership crisis.
During a press conference in Abuja on Thursday, the ADC, through its National Chairman, David Mark, called for Amupitan’s resignation, alleging partisan bias following the commission’s decision to remove the names of certain party leaders from its official portal.
Responding in a statement signed by Chief Press Secretary Adedayo Oketola, INEC emphasised that it is a constitutional body whose leadership is governed strictly by Section 157 of the 1999 Constitution as amended.
“The Chairman does not hold office at the pleasure of any political party or interest group. Any call for removal outside the established constitutional process is not only a distraction but a direct assault on the independence of the nation’s electoral umpire,” the statement said.
The commission explained that its decision regarding the ADC leadership was based on compliance with a Court of Appeal judgment, aimed at avoiding scenarios similar to those witnessed in Zamfara State and Plateau State, where elected officials were removed due to disobedience of court orders.
INEC also noted that it acted in line with a preservative court order restraining it from taking steps that could render ongoing proceedings at the Federal High Court ineffective.
“Proceeding to monitor the congress and convention of the David Mark led ADC would amount to a disobedience of that order,” it stated.
The commission added that the directive to maintain status quo ante bellum required full compliance with the Court of Appeal ruling, stressing that the Constitution mandates all authorities to obey and enforce such judgments.
INEC further rejected claims that its actions undermine Nigeria’s multi party system, noting that under Amupitan’s leadership, more political parties have been registered, expanding the democratic space.
On the proposed voter revalidation exercise, the commission said the initiative predates the current chairman’s appointment and is intended to improve the integrity of the national voter register.
According to INEC, the exercise will address issues such as transfers, multiple registrations, and deceased voters, describing it as an administrative audit rather than a fresh registration.
“It is not targeted at any region, party, or demographic. It is a uniform, transparent process that will be conducted across all Local Government Areas and Polling Units,” the statement added.
The commission also stated that it remains focused on preparations for upcoming off cycle elections in Ekiti State and Osun State, reaffirming its commitment to conducting free, fair, and credible elections.
INEC maintained that its decisions are guided by the rule of law and aimed at strengthening transparency and fairness in the electoral process.
