ADC crisis: INEC defends Amupitan, says removal calls threaten independence

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has pushed back against demands for the removal of its chairman, Joash Amupitan, insisting that such calls undermine the constitutional independence of the electoral body.

The reaction follows criticism over INEC’s decision to withdraw recognition of David Mark and Rauf Aregbesola as leaders of the African Democratic Congress (ADC).

In a statement released Thursday, INEC spokesman Adedayo Oketola said the commission’s actions were guided strictly by legal obligations and court directives.

“The Chairman does not hold office at the pleasure of any political party or interest group,” the statement said, warning that calls for removal outside constitutional provisions amount to “a direct assault on the independence” of the commission.

INEC explained that it complied with a Court of Appeal judgment and a subsisting court order preventing it from taking actions that could affect ongoing legal processes related to the ADC leadership dispute.

According to the commission, proceeding with activities involving the David Mark-led faction would have violated court orders and undermined the rule of law.

It added that the constitutional requirement under Section 287(2) mandates full compliance with court judgments.

Responding to concerns about political bias, INEC said it has continued to promote multi-party democracy, citing the recent recognition of additional political parties which increased the total number to 22.

“INEC remains a neutral regulator, not a participant in political competition,” the commission stated.

On voter revalidation, INEC dismissed attempts to politicise the exercise, describing it as an administrative process aimed at improving the credibility of the voter register.

“The proposed nationwide voter revalidation exercise is a professional necessity to strengthen the integrity of the National Register of Voters,” it said.

The commission noted that the exercise would help address multiple registrations, transfers, and records of deceased voters, and would be implemented across all polling units with digital access options.

INEC also highlighted its ongoing preparations for the Ekiti and Osun governorship elections scheduled for 2026, reaffirming its focus on credible electoral processes.

It reiterated its commitment to transparency, fairness, and adherence to the rule of law in all its operations.

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