The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has dismissed demands by the African Democratic Congress (ADC) for its Chairman, Joash Amupitan, to step down, describing such calls as unconstitutional and a threat to its independence.
The ADC, led by David Mark, had accused the commission of bias and demanded Amupitan’s resignation during a press conference in Abuja, following INEC’s decision to remove the names of certain party leaders from its official portal.
Responding, INEC said its actions were in strict compliance with a ruling of the Court of Appeal and existing legal processes. The commission stressed that its leadership is protected by the Constitution, noting that removal procedures are clearly outlined and cannot be influenced by political parties.
In a statement issued by its Chief Press Secretary, Adedayo Oketola, INEC explained that it chose to obey the court ruling to avoid legal complications similar to past cases in Zamfara and Plateau states, where electoral outcomes were overturned due to disobedience of court orders.
The commission also clarified that monitoring activities of the Mark-led ADC faction would violate an existing court order, which restrains INEC from overseeing the party’s meetings, congresses, or conventions pending the resolution of the dispute.
INEC maintained that it has remained neutral and committed to strengthening Nigeria’s multi-party democracy, pointing to the recent registration of new political parties as evidence against claims of bias.
On the issue of voter revalidation, the commission said the exercise is a routine administrative process aimed at cleaning up the voter register, which contains data accumulated between 2011 and 2024. It emphasized that the exercise is not targeted at any group but is designed to improve the accuracy and credibility of Nigeria’s electoral system.
INEC added that it remains focused on preparations for upcoming off-cycle elections in Ekiti and Osun states and will not be distracted by what it described as unfounded allegations.
Reaffirming its stance, the commission stated that all its decisions are guided by the Constitution and the rule of law, with the goal of ensuring free, fair, and credible elections across the country.
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