INEC Dismisses ADC’s Demand to Sack Chairman

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has rejected the call by the African Democratic Congress (ADC) for the removal of its chairman, Prof. Joash Amupitan, describing the demand as a distraction and a direct challenge to the commission’s independence.

INEC stated that the demand, which followed its decision to comply with a recent Court of Appeal judgment, was unjustified and inappropriate.

In a statement issued by the Chief Press Secretary to the chairman, Adedayo Oketola, the commission explained that monitoring the congress or convention of the David Mark-led ADC would amount to disobedience of a court order. It noted that the reliefs sought in the originating summons include restraining INEC from overseeing any meetings, congresses, or conventions of the party.

The statement read: “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).”