Pat Utomi Issues Dire Warning Over INEC Leadership Crisis
Renowned political economist Professor Pat Utomi has sounded a grave alarm, asserting that Nigeria risks descending into a state of institutional and moral free fall unless the Nigerian Bar Association takes decisive action. Utomi has specifically called on the NBA to compel the resignation of Joash Amupitan, the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission and a Senior Advocate of Nigeria.
A Call to Action for Nigeria's Elite
In a series of pointed posts on the social media platform X, Utomi appealed directly to the nation's religious leaders, traditional rulers, and senior legal professionals. He emphasized that their continued silence in the face of what he perceives as a growing institutional crisis at INEC could have severe, long-term repercussions for the country's stability and democratic integrity.
"The Nigerian Bar Association must rise to this occasion," Utomi stated. "There is an urgent need to prevail on Joash Amupitan to step down from his position at INEC. Failure to act is not an option if we wish to avert a catastrophic decline in our nation's foundational systems."
Historical Parallels and Moral Condemnation
Utomi's critique took a historical and moral turn as he drew a stark comparison between the current leadership at INEC and the authoritarian regime of former Soviet leader Joseph Stalin. This analogy was used to highlight what Utomi described as troubling and undemocratic tendencies emerging within the electoral body.
Further invoking the symbolism of the resurrection of Jesus Christ, Utomi launched a scathing criticism against the influence of money within Nigeria's legal profession and judiciary. He argued that financial corruption has led to actions that directly undermine electoral laws and erode the rule of law, creating a perilous environment for democracy.
"Those who see these injustices but choose to remain silent—be they religious figures, traditional leaders, or legal minds—will ultimately be held accountable," Utomi warned, stressing a theme of collective responsibility.
The Context: INEC's Derecognition of ADC Factions
Utomi's remarks appear to be directly linked to recent controversial actions by INEC. The commission recently moved to derecognize two factions of the African Democratic Congress, one led by former Senate President David Mark and another by Nafiu Bala.
INEC officials stated that this decision was based on their interpretation of a Court of Appeal judgement concerning the party's protracted leadership crisis. However, the faction aligned with David Mark has vehemently rejected INEC's position, publicly accusing the commission of acting under external influence and pressure.
This development has sparked intense debate across Nigeria's political and legal circles. The core controversy centers on whether INEC correctly interpreted the court's ruling. The immediate outcome has left the ADC without any leadership faction officially recognized by the nation's electoral umpire, creating a significant vacuum and raising questions about due process.
The situation underscores the deepening concerns about INEC's independence and operational impartiality as Nigeria navigates its complex democratic journey. Utomi's intervention amplifies these concerns to a national crisis level, framing the NBA's potential inaction as a direct threat to the country's future.
