INEC defends Amupitan, dismisses ADC’s sack demand

On Thursday in Abuja, the Independent National Electoral Commission responded to demands by the African Democratic Congress for the removal of its chairman, Joash Amupitan, stating that such calls fall outside the legal process guiding his office.

The reaction followed a press briefing by ADC leaders led by David Mark, where they asked for the chairman to step down over claims of bias linked to the commission’s decision to remove the party’s leadership from its official portal.

In its response, INEC explained that the appointment and removal of its chairman and commissioners are strictly regulated by the Constitution and cannot be decided by political pressure. The commission stated that any demand outside the laid-down process undermines its independence.

The electoral body said its decision to update the ADC leadership records was based on a Court of Appeal ruling and existing legal processes. It added that the move was taken to avoid a situation where failure to follow court orders could lead to legal consequences, including the nullification of electoral outcomes.

INEC also stated that it acted to comply with a directive requiring all parties to maintain the existing situation until the court gives a final judgment. According to the commission, continuing to recognise or monitor activities of the affected leadership could have gone against the court’s instruction.

The commission further clarified that it would not involve itself in internal disputes within political parties, noting that such matters should be resolved through legal channels. It maintained that its role is to act within the law and not to take sides in political disagreements.

On concerns about a planned voter revalidation exercise, INEC said the process is not new and was designed to clean up the national voter register, which contains data collected over many years. It explained that the exercise would address issues such as multiple registrations, transfers, and records of deceased persons.

INEC added that the exercise would be carried out across the country in phases and would include digital options to make participation easier. It insisted that the process is not targeted at any group or region but is meant to improve the accuracy of voter data.

The commission said it remains focused on preparing for upcoming elections, including those scheduled in Ekiti and Osun states, and will continue to operate within the law despite criticisms from political actors.