ADC Challenges INEC Chair Over Court Order, Vows to Proceed with Congresses

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has taken issue with the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Joash Amupitan, accusing him of misinterpreting a Court of Appeal directive and overstepping his authority.

Despite INEC’s position that the order to maintain the status quo requires the party to halt its activities, the ADC insists it will proceed with its planned congresses and national convention.

The party’s position was outlined in a statement by its National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, responding to remarks made by the INEC chairman during a Friday interview on ARISE NEWS.

According to the ADC, INEC’s interpretation represents a “wilful distortion” and an attempt to interfere in lawful party affairs.

“The preservation order, by its nature, is intended to prevent actions that would irreversibly alter the subject matter of litigation, not to paralyse the internal functioning of a political party.”

“That determination lies strictly within the jurisdiction of the courts, not the Commission,” the statement said.

The party maintained that its internal processes do not conflict with any ongoing court case and dismissed concerns about legal implications.

“Democratic continuity within a political party is presumed under the law unless expressly restrained by a competent court,” it said, stressing that no such restriction has been issued.

It further argued that INEC’s involvement is not a requirement for the validity of its congresses.

“A party’s decision to proceed with its internal processes does not depend on INEC’s participation,” the ADC said.

On internal disagreements, the party noted that such issues are common and should not be used to halt its operations.

“INEC’s role is not to arbitrate these disputes or to freeze party activities pending their resolution, but to maintain neutrality and allow due process to run its course.”

“Pre-emptively warning of hypothetical judicial consequences amounts to speculation and cannot serve as a legal basis to restrict lawful party activities,” the statement added.

While INEC framed its stance as a safeguard against future legal challenges, the ADC insisted that administrative caution cannot override constitutional freedoms.

“The law does not permit administrative bodies to curtail constitutional rights on the basis of speculative future outcomes,” it said.

The party concluded by reaffirming its decision to proceed with its congresses and national convention in compliance with the law.

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