ADC Demands INEC Chairman Amupitan's Immediate Resignation
The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has demanded the immediate resignation of INEC Chairperson Professor Joash Amupitan and all National Commissioners, accusing the electoral body of undermining democracy and interfering in political parties' internal affairs. The party's National Chairman, David Mark, made the call at a world press conference on Thursday, stating they no longer have confidence in INEC's ability to conduct credible elections.
This follows INEC's recent action of freezing recognition of the ADC's national leadership, which the party describes as raising "serious questions" about the commission's neutrality and independence under President Bola Tinubu's administration. Mark asserted the ADC will proceed with its programs despite INEC's action.
The ADC alleges a shrinking democratic space in Nigeria, though specific details of INEC's freezing action and the party's internal crisis were not provided in the report. INEC has not yet issued a public response to these demands.
This public confrontation between a major political party and the electoral commission heightens tension around Nigeria's electoral integrity ahead of future polls. The standoff raises immediate questions about INEC's operational independence and political neutrality, which are foundational to public trust in the electoral process.
With key details missing—including the precise nature and date of INEC's leadership freeze, the ADC's internal dispute specifics, and the legal basis for the party's challenge—the full scope and implications remain unclear. The situation is developing, and INEC's formal reply will be critical in understanding whether this is a resolvable administrative dispute or a deeper institutional crisis.