Fresh concerns over the credibility of Nigeria’s electoral process have emerged as the African Democratic Congress (ADC) accuses the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) of bias in its internal leadership dispute. The party is demanding the immediate removal of INEC chairman Joash Amupitan.
Speaking at a press briefing, ADC national chairman David Mark said the commission can no longer be trusted, alleging that it deliberately misinterpreted a court order. He explained that a March 12 ruling by the Court of Appeal directed all parties to maintain the existing leadership structure pending the outcome of a case before the Federal High Court.
The controversy followed INEC’s decision on April 1 to withdraw recognition from both the Mark-led leadership and a rival faction linked to Nafiu Bala. Mark insisted that Bala had already resigned and could not be recognised, adding that INEC’s action created confusion and left the party without a valid leadership structure.
Also Read: ADC Questions Petrol Subsidy Savings as Prices Rise Under Tinubu
Meanwhile, INEC has defended its decision, stating that the move was guided by a court order. The commission’s Chief Press Secretary, Adedayo Oketola, explained that the electoral body was simply complying with a Court of Appeal judgment. The commission said the action was necessary to prevent a repeat of past incidents where elected officials were removed by tribunals due to disobedience of court orders.
Leave feedback about this
You must be logged in to post a comment.