ADC Intensifies Pressure on INEC, Demands Chairman's Immediate Resignation
The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has escalated its confrontation with Nigeria's electoral body, issuing a formal demand for the resignation of the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Professor Joash Amupitan. The party warns that failure to comply will trigger unprecedented lawful constitutional mechanisms and coordinated civil action to remove him from office.
A Formal Letter of Condemnation
In a strongly-worded letter dated April 8, 2026, and signed by prominent leaders Senator David Mark and Rauf Aregbesola on behalf of the ADC Global Campus and Transformation Center, the party condemned what it described as "over partisan conduct, gross misconduct, constitutional breach and threat to democracy." The letter asserts that the integrity of Nigeria's democracy cannot be sacrificed on the altar of institutional compromise.
The ADC leaders expressed deep concern about Professor Amupitan's fitness to continue in his role, citing his recent public statements and actions that have allegedly undermined the commission's neutrality. The letter specifically references a recent media interview by the INEC chairman that the ADC characterizes as "disgraceful and unbecoming of the high office you occupy."
Constitutional Breaches Alleged
The ADC's primary objection centers on what it perceives as Professor Amupitan's unconstitutional assumption of judicial authority. The letter states: "Of grave concern is your attempt to constitute yourself into an interpreter of judicial pronouncements. This is wholly unacceptable. The interpretation of court judgments is the exclusive preserve of the judiciary."
The party argues that for the INEC chairman to publicly offer partisan constructions of legal outcomes, particularly in a manner that appears to favor specific individuals, represents a serious constitutional breach and an affront to the doctrine of separation of powers.
Perceived Institutional Bias
The ADC further alleges that INEC under Professor Amupitan's leadership has abandoned its constitutional mandate of neutrality. The letter references earlier correspondence between INEC and the ADC regarding internal party matters, suggesting the commission has aligned itself with factional interests within the party.
Specifically addressing a contentious issue within the ADC, the letter notes: "It is a matter of record that the individual in question attended the National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting of the ADC at which the National Working Committee (NWC) led by Chief Ralph Nwosu, of which he was a member, was duly dissolved." The ADC contends that any subsequent reliance on this individual's former authority or signature is "fundamentally flawed, contradictory, and devoid of legal credibility."
Broader Implications for Electoral Integrity
The ADC's demand comes at a critical juncture for Nigeria's electoral system, with the party warning that Professor Amupitan's continued leadership poses a direct threat to democratic credibility. The letter emphasizes that INEC's perceived bias and institutional overreach are "not only improper; it is dangerous for the credibility of our electoral system."
This development represents a significant escalation in tensions between a major political party and Nigeria's electoral commission, raising fundamental questions about institutional independence and the preservation of democratic norms ahead of future electoral cycles.
