The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has firmly rejected calls by the African Democratic Congress (ADC) for its Chairman, Prof. Joash Amupitan, to resign, insisting that such demands are unconstitutional and threaten the independence of the electoral body.
The ADC, through its National Chairman, David Mark, had earlier called for Amupitan’s removal during a World Press Conference in Abuja, alleging partisan bias following INEC’s decision to remove the names of the party’s leaders from its official portal.
Responding in a statement signed by the Chief Press Secretary to the INEC Chairman, Adedayo Oketola, the Commission clarified that its actions were guided strictly by a recent Court of Appeal judgment and existing legal provisions.
INEC emphasized that it is a creation of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, noting that the appointment, tenure, and removal of its Chairman and National Commissioners are 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,” the statement read. “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 Commission explained that its decision to comply with the Court of Appeal ruling was to avoid a repeat of past incidents in Zamfara and Plateau states, where elected officials were removed by tribunals due to disobedience of court orders.
It further stated that it acted in line with a preservative court order restraining it from taking steps that could invalidate ongoing legal proceedings at the Federal High Court, including monitoring ADC’s congresses and conventions.
INEC also pointed out that it had only approved the David Mark-led executive committee of the ADC on September 9, 2025—seven days after the matter was already before the Federal High Court—making strict compliance with judicial directives necessary.
Citing Section 287(2) of the Constitution, the Commission stressed that all authorities are mandated to obey and enforce judgments of the Court of Appeal.
Addressing allegations of political bias, INEC maintained that it remains neutral and committed to strengthening Nigeria’s multi-party system. It highlighted the recent registration of new political parties, bringing the total number of active parties to 22, as evidence of its commitment to democratic expansion.
On the planned nationwide voter revalidation exercise, INEC dismissed attempts to politicize the process, describing it as a routine administrative measure aimed at improving the integrity of the voter register.
According to the Commission, the exercise—covering data from 2011 to 2024—will address issues such as multiple registrations, voter transfers, and removal of deceased persons. It noted that the process will be conducted nationwide with both physical and digital participation options.
INEC reaffirmed its focus on the upcoming off-cycle governorship elections in Ekiti (June 2026) and Osun (August 2026), stating that it will not be distracted by what it described as unfounded allegations.
“The Commission’s decisions are based on thorough evaluations and adherence to the rule of law,” the statement added. “Our allegiance remains solely to the Constitution and the will of the Nigerian people.”
INEC concluded by reiterating its commitment to transparency, fairness, and credible elections, while urging political stakeholders to respect due process and the independence of the electoral system.
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