The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has called for the immediate resignation or removal of the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Joash Amupitan (SAN) over what it described as partisan conduct, constitutional breaches, and actions capable of undermining Nigeria’s multi-party democracy.
In a letter jointly signed by its National Chairman, David Mark, and National Secretary, Rauf Aregbesola during a protest to the commissions headquarters on Wednesday,, the party accused the INEC boss of overstepping his constitutional mandate and eroding public confidence in the electoral body.
The ADC said Amupitan’s recent media interview was “disgraceful and unbecoming” of his office, alleging that he delved into partisan issues and attempted to interpret court judgments, an action the party insisted is reserved exclusively for the judiciary.
“For the Chairman of INEC to publicly assume that role amounts to a serious constitutional breach and an affront to the doctrine of separation of powers”.
The coalition party further raised alarm over attempts to compel some officials of the commission to alter statement and affidavits already tendered in the court.
“We must also bring to your notice that we are aware of efforts being made by INEC under your directive as well as the pressure being mounted on conscientious INEC officials to recant their testimonies which contradicts the agenda that you have decided to pursue. This is indeed unconscionable.
“In light of all the foregoing, we hereby demand: Your immediate resignation from office in the interest of preserving the integrity of INEC; OR Your immediate removal by the appropriate constitutional authorities for gross misconduct, abuse of office, and violation of constitutional boundaries.
“We also reiterate our demand for: The immediate withdrawal of INEC’s offensive correspondence to the ADC; A formal apology to the party; and A clear commitment to refrain from further interference in the internal affairs of political parties.
“Take note that failure to comply will leave us with no option but to activate all lawful and constitutional mechanisms to ensure accountability, including judicial proceedings and coordinated civic action.
‘The integrity of Nigeria’s democracy cannot and will not be sacrificed on the altar of institutional compromise” ADC declared.
The opposition party further alleged that the Commission, under Amupitan’s leadership, has abandoned neutrality and aligned itself with factional interests within the ADC, citing previous correspondence from INEC as evidence.
According to the party, such actions raise serious concerns about institutional bias and overreach. It maintained that INEC’s role is limited to conducting elections and regulating political processes, not acting as an advocate or interpreter of judicial pronouncements.
The ADC also accused the INEC chairman of attempting to interfere in the internal affairs of the party, particularly in matters relating to its leadership structure.
Providing background, the party detailed a series of National Executive Committee (NEC) and National Working Committee (NWC) meetings held in 2025, which led to the emergence of its current leadership, including the appointment of a caretaker committee headed by Mark.
It said the process, which included resolutions taken in March, April, July, and July 29, 2025 meetings, was conducted transparently with INEC officials present, and subsequently communicated to the Commission.
The party claimed that INEC had initially acknowledged and uploaded the new leadership on its portal based on these resolutions, arguing that any subsequent recognition of former officials contradicts established records.
“From the foregoing, no member of the former NWC has any right or claim to any office thereafter,” the ADC stated.
The party further alleged that INEC had filed affidavits in court confirming the same sequence of events, while accusing the Commission of attempting to pressure its officials to alter their testimonies.
Describing the situation as “dangerous” and “unacceptable,” the ADC warned that any attempt to impose factional leadership or distort internal party processes threatens the foundation of Nigeria’s democratic system.
The party demanded the immediate withdrawal of what it termed “offensive correspondence” issued to it by INEC, along with a formal apology and assurances of non-interference in party affairs.
It also insisted on either the resignation of the INEC chairman or his removal by appropriate constitutional authorities for alleged misconduct and abuse of office.
The ADC warned that failure to comply with its demands would prompt it to pursue “all lawful and constitutional means,” including judicial action and civic mobilisation, to ensure accountability.
