The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has faulted the demand by the African Democratic Congress (ADC) for the sacking of its chairman, Prof. Joash Amupitan, describing it as not only a distraction but a direct assault on the independence of the commission.
The commission said the call for the removal of its chairman, on account of its decision to obey the recent Court of Appeal judgment, was an unfair demand.
The Chief Press Secretary to the INEC chairman, Adedayo Oketola, in a statement, said proceeding to monitor the congress and convention of the David Mark-led ADC would amount to disobedience of a court order, since the reliefs claimed in the originating summons include an order restraining INEC from monitoring any meeting, congress or convention of the party.
The statement reads: “The decisions taken by INEC are based on thorough evaluations and aligned with the legal framework that governs our operations, including adherence to the rule of law.
“While the commission recognises the right of stakeholders to express their views, 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).
“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.
“While a political party or group is allowed to protect its interest, the commission decided to comply with the judgment of the Court of Appeal to avert a situation that occurred in Zamfara State and Plateau State, where elected officials were removed by election tribunals on account of disobedience of court judgment.
“In addition, the commission did not want to disobey the preservative order of the court not to take any step that would render the processes already filed at the Federal High Court nugatory. Proceeding to monitor the congress and convention of the David Mark-led ADC would amount to disobedience of that order.”
INEC further explained that its decisions are anchored on compliance with subsisting court orders and statutory requirements under the Electoral Act 2026.
The commission also addressed concerns over a proposed nationwide voter revalidation exercise, stating that the plan predates the appointment of the current chairman and is aimed at strengthening the integrity of the national register of voters.
“It is an administrative audit, not 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, with robust digital options for ease of access,” the statement added.
INEC emphasised that the exercise is intended to confirm the status of registered voters, address issues such as multiple registrations and deceased persons, and improve the reliability of voter data.
The commission reiterated its neutrality, stating that it will not be drawn into internal party disputes and remains committed to conducting free, fair, credible, and inclusive elections.
“Finally, INEC remains committed to delivering elections that are free, fair, credible and inclusive. The call for the resignation of Professor Amupitan is therefore out of place,” it stated.
By Friday Olokor
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