Uzodike criticises INEC chairman over ADC leadership dispute, alleging bias and calling for resignation amid controversy
A chieftain of the African Democratic Congress, Joemartins Uzodike, has launched a strong attack on the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission, Prof Joash Amupitan, accusing him of bias and calling for his immediate resignation over a disputed party leadership decision.
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Mr Uzodike criticised the INEC chairman following the commission’s withdrawal of recognition of the Senator David Mark-led leadership of the ADC, describing the move as a serious departure from impartial electoral conduct.
The ADC stalwart alleged that the interpretation of a court order under Prof Amupitan’s leadership was flawed and inconsistent with established legal principles.
He argued that the commission’s handling of the matter demonstrated what he described as “deliberate ignorance” of legal concepts, including the doctrine of status quo ante bellum.
Speaking in strong terms, Mr Uzodike said the electoral body had embarrassed the legal system by relying on what he claimed was an improperly presented court order to justify its position on the party’s internal leadership structure.
“You’ve failed Nigerians even before the election,” he said, adding that INEC had never before descended into partisan territory in such a manner.
He further questioned how a Professor of Law and Senior Advocate of Nigeria could misinterpret a legal directive in a politically sensitive matter.
He also challenged the basis on which INEC recognised what he described as a faction within the ADC, arguing that the individual referenced did not have a functioning executive structure or legitimate party leadership backing.
According to Mr Uzodike, the court’s intention was to preserve the status quo pending judicial determination, rather than to create a leadership vacuum or invalidate an existing party structure.
“The court simply said whoever was in office should remain pending the determination of the matter,” he stated.
The controversy adds to ongoing tensions within the ADC over internal leadership disputes and the role of electoral authorities in adjudicating party matters.
It also raises broader questions about the boundaries of INEC’s authority in interpreting court rulings related to political party governance.
Also read: ADC Crisis Deepens as Top Opposition Leaders Meet in Abuja
As of press time, there has been no official response from Prof Joash Amupitan or the Independent National Electoral Commission regarding the allegations.
