The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has formally petitioned the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), calling for the immediate resignation or removal of its Chairman, Prof. Joash Amupitan, over allegations of partisan conduct, gross misconduct, and violations of the Constitution.
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The petition, dated April 8, 2026, was submitted through the party’s National Secretary, Rauf Aregbesola, and received at the INEC headquarters in Abuja at about 11:29 a.m.
In the document, the ADC accused African Democratic Congress (ADC) of alleging that INEC leadership has abandoned neutrality and engaged in actions that undermine public confidence in the electoral body.
The party specifically faulted the INEC Chairman, Prof. Joash Amupitan, for allegedly making public comments and interpretations of court rulings, which it said amounts to overreach and a breach of constitutional boundaries.
“The interpretation of court judgments is the exclusive preserve of the Judiciary,” the petition stated, adding that INEC’s actions amounted to “a serious constitutional breach and an affront to the doctrine of separation of powers.”
The ADC further accused Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) of drifting from its constitutional duty of neutrality and allegedly aligning with factional interests in the party’s internal crisis.
It also referenced internal disputes within the ADC, including disagreements over the emergence and recognition of the party’s leadership, which have triggered parallel claims to authority within the party structure.
According to the petition, INEC’s handling of correspondence and its response to court orders, particularly those relating to the party’s leadership tussle, suggest bias and institutional interference in party affairs.
The ADC warned that such conduct poses a serious threat to Nigeria’s multiparty democracy and called for urgent corrective measures to restore credibility to the electoral commission.
As of the time of filing this report, INEC had not issued an official response to the allegations.
Meanwhile, reports indicate that the petition was received by INEC National Commissioner, Prof. Abdullahi Zuru.
The controversy comes amid an escalating internal crisis within the ADC involving competing factions and legal disputes over leadership legitimacy.
Key political figures associated with the party’s broader opposition coalition, including Rauf Aregbesola, Atiku Abubakar, Rabiu Kwankwaso, and Peter Obi, have been linked to recent political activities and protests concerning the dispute.
Others reportedly involved in related engagements include David Mark, Rotimi Amaechi, Aminu Tambuwal, and Dino Melaye.
The ADC has previously accused INEC of misinterpreting court orders relating to the party’s leadership crisis, particularly directives tied to maintaining the status quo pending the determination of ongoing suits at the Federal High Court.
INEC, however, has maintained that its actions were in compliance with court directives requiring all parties to maintain the status quo ante bellum while litigation over the party’s leadership remains unresolved.
The party warned that continued disagreement over INEC’s stance could further deepen political tension and undermine trust in Nigeria’s electoral system.
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