INEC Firmly Rejects ADC's Demand for Chairman Amupitan's Resignation
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has categorically dismissed calls for the resignation of its Chairman, Professor Joash Amupitan, describing the demands as misplaced and legally unfounded. In a statement issued on Thursday, the Commission's Chief Press Secretary, Adedayo Oketola, asserted that these calls are politically motivated, emphasizing that the appointment and tenure of INEC's leadership are strictly governed by Section 157 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended).
ADC Leaders Demand Removal Amid Party Crisis
Leaders of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) had earlier demanded Professor Amupitan's resignation following INEC's decision to derecognize the party's leadership. This demand was made during a gathering of top opposition figures at the Yar'Adua Centre in Abuja, including former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, former Kano State Governor Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, former Anambra State Governor Peter Obi, and former Rivers State Governor Rotimi Amaechi. ADC National Chairman, Senator David Mark, accused INEC of compromising its neutrality and siding with the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), stating, "We demand the immediate resignation or sack of the INEC Chairman, Professor Amupitan, and all the National Commissioners. We no longer have confidence in them."
INEC's Legal Justification for Derecognition
INEC had announced on Wednesday that it would no longer recognize Senator David Mark and Rauf Aregbesola as the ADC's national chairman and secretary, respectively, pending the resolution of a leadership tussle before the courts. Oketola explained that this decision was necessary to comply with a recent Court of Appeal judgment, aiming to avoid legal complications similar to those in Zamfara and Plateau States, where disobedience of court judgments led to the removal of elected officials. He stressed that INEC acted within legal boundaries, following court orders that restrict it from monitoring certain party congresses while related cases are pending.
Clarification on Voter Revalidation Exercise
Addressing misconceptions, Oketola clarified that the nationwide voter revalidation exercise predates Professor Amupitan's tenure and is designed to strengthen the integrity of the National Register of Voters. He described it as an administrative audit to update voter information, address multiple registrations, remove deceased persons, and enhance data reliability. INEC emphasized that the exercise is uniform, non-discriminatory, and not targeted at any region, party, or demographic.
INEC's Commitment to Democratic Principles
Oketola reiterated INEC's dedication to fostering a transparent and fair electoral environment, noting that the Commission has actively expanded Nigeria's democratic space by registering and recognizing three new political parties: the Democratic Leadership Alliance (DLA), the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), and the National Democratic Party (NDP), bringing the total number of active parties to 22. He concluded by affirming that INEC's decisions are based on thorough evaluations and aligned with the legal framework, ensuring free, fair, and credible elections for all stakeholders.
