ADC Leader Accuses INEC Chairman of Letting Nigerians Down Ahead of Polls

African Democratic Congress chieftain Joemartins Uzodike is urging Independent National Electoral Commission Chairman Prof. Joash Amupitan to step down, citing his alleged failure to serve Nigerians even before any elections have taken place.

n

Uzodike, a lawyer, was reacting to INEC's decision to withdraw recognition of the Senator David Mark-led leadership of the ADC, which he deemed a shameful and deceitful move by Amupitan.

n

According to Uzodike, Amupitan's interpretation of a court order, despite being a Professor of Law and Senior Advocate of Nigeria, demonstrates a clear bias, with the Commission relying on an individual's submission and displaying a deliberate disregard for the law.

n

Uzodike specifically pointed to the concept of status quo ante bellum, arguing that INEC's actions under Amupitan's leadership show a willful ignorance of its meaning and application, which refers to returning to the pre-court situation.

n

The INEC chairman's actions have embarrassed the legal system, Uzodike claimed, by using a court order to create a leadership vacuum in an opposition party and recognizing an individual as a faction without a secretary or executive committee.

n

Uzodike, who has been involved in many elections since Nigeria's independence, stated that he has never seen an electoral official interfere so brazenly and recklessly in the political process.

n

As a Professor of Law and Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Amupitan should be well-versed in the meaning of status quo ante bellum, which implies returning to the pre-court position, Uzodike argued.

n

Uzodike questioned the ADC's situation before Nafiu Bala went to court and who was the chairman at that time, emphasizing that the court instructed that the existing leadership should remain in place pending the matter's resolution.

n

However, INEC under Amupitan's leadership is claiming that the ADC does not exist, Uzodike noted, adding that the chairman has failed to uphold the law and has shown himself to be incapable of overseeing electoral affairs without bias.

n

Uzodike concluded that Amupitan should resign, citing his failure to interpret the law correctly and his apparent partiality, which is compromising his ability to preside over Nigeria's electoral process.

n

Instead of serving vested interests, Uzodike believes Amupitan should focus on strengthening Nigeria's democracy, and his recent television interview suggested that he is acting under pressure, compromising his independence.

n

Uzodike observed that Amupitan's demeanor during the TV interview indicated that he is not acting independently, and as a respected figure who has held positions such as Deputy Vice-Chancellor, professor, and SAN, he should conduct himself with honor.