Again, ADC Demands INEC Chair’s Removal
Last update: April 8, 2026
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ADC demands resignation or removal of INEC chairman...
The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has called for the immediate resignation or removal of the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission, Prof. Joash Amupitan (SAN).
The party accused him of partisanship and actions capable of undermining Nigeria’s multi-party democracy.
CBI News reports that the demand was made on Wednesday during a protest by party leaders and supporters at INEC headquarters in Abuja, amid a deepening leadership crisis within the party that began last September.
The party’s position was presented by its National Chairman, David Mark, and National Secretary, Rauf Aregbesola, who accused the INEC chairman of exceeding his constitutional role and allegedly aligning with a faction within the party.
“Your recent media interview was not only disgraceful and unbecoming of the high office you occupy, but it also exposed a troubling willingness to descend into partisan controversy,” the party said.
The ADC also faulted the chairman for allegedly interpreting court rulings relating to the party’s leadership dispute, insisting that such authority rests solely with the judiciary.
“The interpretation of court judgments is the exclusive preserve of the judiciary. For the Chairman of INEC to publicly assume that role amounts to a serious constitutional breach,” the statement read.
The party warned that recent actions and communications from the commission could undermine its neutrality.
“This is not only improper; it is dangerous for the credibility of our electoral system,” it added.
It further alleged that the electoral body had taken steps interfering in internal party affairs.
“Any action that tilts the electoral playing field strikes at the very heart of democratic pluralism. And all of these you have done,” the party said.
According to the ADC, INEC had previously monitored and acknowledged internal decisions taken in 2025, including National Executive Committee meetings that produced the current leadership under David Mark, and had updated its records accordingly.
The party also claimed the commission confirmed the legitimacy of those processes in a sworn affidavit before the Federal High Court but alleged that pressure was now being mounted on officials to reverse their position.
“We are aware of efforts being made to recant their testimonies which contradict the agenda that you have decided to pursue. This is indeed unconscionable,” it stated.
While acknowledging the contributions of other officials within the commission, the party said the chairman’s actions had brought the institution into disrepute.
“But you have appeared willing to lay their sacrifices to waste, which today has effectively brought the Commission into disrepute,” it added.
The ADC listed its demands, including the immediate resignation or removal of the INEC chairman, withdrawal of what it described as “offensive correspondence,” a formal apology, and a commitment not to interfere in party affairs.
It warned that failure to comply would prompt legal and civic action.
“Take note that failure to comply will leave us with no option but to activate all lawful and constitutional mechanisms to ensure accountability.
“The integrity of Nigeria’s democracy cannot and will not be sacrificed on the altar of institutional compromise,” the statement read.
