‘You’ve Failed Nigerians Even Before Elections’ – ADC Chieftain Blasts INEC Chairman
A chieftain of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Joemartins Uzodike, has launched a strong attack on the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Joash Amupitan, saying he has already failed Nigerians even before any election is conducted.
Uzodike called on the INEC boss to resign, accusing him of bias and poor judgment in handling party leadership issues.
The criticism follows INEC’s decision to withdraw recognition from the Senator David Mark-led leadership of the ADC.
Uzodike, who is a legal practitioner, described the move as shocking and unbecoming of an electoral body expected to remain neutral at all times.
He said the commission’s position on the matter raises serious questions about its independence.
Reacting further, Uzodike described Amupitan’s interpretation of a court order as misleading. He said it was disappointing that someone of the chairman’s legal background could, in his view, misapply such a basic legal principle.
He alleged that INEC relied on a court order brought forward by an individual, instead of taking a broader and more informed legal position.
According to him, the situation reflects what he called a deliberate misunderstanding of the concept of status quo ante bellum, which he explained refers to restoring things to the state they were before a dispute began. He argued that INEC’s actions clearly contradict this principle, thereby creating confusion within the party.
Uzodike also said the development has embarrassed the legal system. He accused the INEC chairman of using a court ruling in a way that has now created a leadership vacuum within the ADC. He warned that such actions could weaken opposition parties and, by extension, Nigeria’s democratic system.
He further faulted the recognition of Nafiu Bala as a factional figure within the party. According to him, Bala does not lead any known executive structure and lacks the backing required to be considered a legitimate leader. He insisted that such recognition by INEC undermines due process.
“I have been around in this country since independence and have actively participated in many elections. I make bold to say that an electoral umpire has never descended so brazenly and carelessly into the arena as we are witnessing now.
“The chairman is a Professor of Law and a Senior Advocate of Nigeria. How can he not interpret the meaning of status quo ante bellum, which means to return to the position before the matter went to court?
“At what point was the ADC before Nafiu Bala went to court, and who was the chairman at that time?
“The court simply said whoever was in office should remain pending the determination of the matter, but Amupitan’s INEC is saying the ADC does not exist.
“The INEC chairman has failed the law; he has shown he is not capable of presiding over our electoral affairs without bias. He should therefore resign,” Uzodike said.
Uzodike also questioned the independence of the INEC chairman. He pointed to a recent television appearance, saying Amupitan’s body language suggested he might be under external pressure. He stressed that someone with such a strong academic and professional background should demonstrate courage and neutrality in public office.
“From his demeanour during the TV interview, it is clear that the INEC chairman is not acting independently. For someone who has risen to the position of Deputy Vice-Chancellor, a professor and SAN, he should be a man of honour,” he added.
The ADC Chieftain concluded by urging the INEC leadership to focus on strengthening democratic institutions rather than taking actions that may appear to favour certain interests.
