Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission, Joash Amupitan, has cautioned the African Democratic Congress against proceeding with its planned congresses and national convention without the commission’s supervision, warning that such action could invalidate any eventual electoral victory.
He gave the warning during an interview on Arise TV on Friday, stressing that INEC’s position was based on a subsisting court order and not arbitrary action.
He noted that the electoral body had earlier refused to recognise a faction of the party linked to David Mark and Rauf Aregbesola.
According to him, the court had expressly directed all parties involved to refrain from taking steps that could undermine ongoing legal proceedings. He emphasised that conducting congresses or conventions at this stage could amount to contempt of court.
“So if they proceed, they should consider whether such actions contravene the court order. INEC did not just arrive at this decision; it was guided by a directive of the court,” he said.
The INEC chairman further warned that ignoring court orders could have far-reaching consequences, including the nullification of election results. He cited past cases such as the Zamfara State political crisis, where courts voided victories due to non-compliance with legal processes, leading to candidates with the second-highest votes being declared winners.
He also referenced similar developments in Plateau State.
Amupitan maintained that while political parties are free to make their decisions, the commission would not allow itself to be drawn into avoidable controversies.
“They are at liberty to act, but INEC will not be part of a process that could lead to another legal crisis,” he added.
The warning comes amid growing internal disputes within the ADC, raising concerns over the party’s preparedness ahead of future elections.
