JUST IN: ADC insists it will proceed with congresses despite warning by INEC chairman
The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has declared that it will proceed with its congresses and national convention despite a warning by Prof. Joash Amupitan, chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
In a statement issued on Thursday, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, ADC national publicity secretary, accused the INEC chairman of misrepresenting the Court of Appeal’s directive to maintain the status quo in the leadership dispute within the party.
Abdullahi said the electoral body’s interpretation of the court order amounts to a distortion of the judicial directive.
His words: “The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has carefully reviewed the recent interview granted by the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Professor Joash Amupitan, and finds it necessary to respond, in order to correct several legal and factual misrepresentations.
“While the Commission seeks to present its position as one anchored in law and neutrality, the substance of the Chairman’s own statements reveals a fundamental misapplication of both constitutional principles and judicial directives.
“The question before Nigerians is not whether Nigeria remains a multi-party state in theory, but whether the actions of INEC in practice are undermining the ability of opposition parties to freely organize and function.” the statement reads.
The ADC said the doctrine of “status quo ante bellum” cited by the INEC chairman does not prohibit the party from conducting its internal processes.
“The preservation order, by its nature, is intended to prevent actions that would irreversibly alter the subject matter of litigation, not to paralyze the internal functioning of a political party.
“The Chairman’s attempt to define the ‘status quo’ by tracing the controversy to internal party developments in July 2025 is an administrative interpretation that INEC is not empowered to make. That determination lies strictly within the jurisdiction of the courts, not the Commission,” the party stated.
The ADC further stated that holding congresses or conventions does not invalidate pending judicial proceedings.
“Internal party processes, conducted in line with the party’s constitution and the Electoral Act, do not extinguish or prejudice pending judicial proceedings.
“Democratic continuity within a political party is presumed under the law unless expressly restrained by a competent court.
“A party’s decision to proceed with its internal processes does not depend on INEC’s participation. By conflating its monitoring function with the validity of the processes themselves, INEC effectively places itself above the law,” the party said.
The party also dismissed comparisons with past electoral disputes such as those in Zamfara State and said it will proceed with its internal activities in accordance with the law.
“The ADC will therefore proceed with its activities in full compliance with the law and urges INEC to confine itself strictly to its constitutional and statutory mandate,” the statement concluded.
