ADC crisis: Ondo Assembly speaker defends INEC
The Speaker of the Ondo State House of Assembly, Rt. (Hon.) Olamide Oladiji has dismissed allegations that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) is partisan, insisting that the commission is
- ...says electoral body guided by due process, not partisan
The Speaker of the Ondo State House of Assembly, Rt. (Hon.) Olamide Oladiji has dismissed allegations that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) is partisan, insisting that the commission is strictly guided by due process in its operations amid the crisis in the African Democratic Congress (ADC).
INEC has recently faced criticism from opposition figures following its derecognition of the leadership of the ADC.
The coalition-backed faction of the party, reportedly led by David Mark, accused the electoral umpire of acting under the influence of the ruling All Progressives Congress-led Federal Government.
Amid the controversy, opposition leaders also called for the removal of the INEC chairman, Joash Amupitan (SAN).
Reacting on Tuesday, Oladiji maintained that INEC’s actions, particularly in cases involving factional disputes within the coalition-backed ADC, are driven by legal provisions rather than political bias.
He spoke at the unveiling of the Funke Fadeni Foundation by KSI Group in Ondo State, held to commemorate the 10th remembrance of the late Chief Adefunke Fadeni.
"When a political party has factions, INEC cannot recognise both. The commission is only ensuring that due process is followed. Besides, when such matters are already before the court, all parties are expected to allow the legal process to take its course," he said.
Hon. Oladiji described accusations of partisanship against the electoral body as unfounded, stressing that INEC’s constitutional role is to uphold the rule of law and maintain order in the electoral process.
On insecurity, the Speaker said tackling the challenge requires a collective effort between government and citizens, noting that it should not be left to authorities alone.
He explained that while the government has strengthened security through increased support for outfits like Amotekun and other agencies, public cooperation remains critical.
"Security is not mainly a government affair. It is a collective responsibility. If people fail to provide useful information to security agencies, then they are not helping the society," he said.
Oladiji, however, added that insecurity remains a national challenge, calling for sustained collaboration to curb the menace.
Also speaking, KSI Group Managing Director, Engr. (Dr.) Koleola Emmanuel Fadeni, emphasised that empowerment initiatives are key to reducing insecurity by productively engaging youths.
Similarly, Chairman of Ondo East Local Government, Hon. Joshua Ogunduyilemi, highlighted grassroots efforts to tackle insecurity through youth engagement and community-based programmes.
He noted that the council has supported young people by paying examination fees such as NECO and WAEC, alongside providing vocational training and startup tools to promote self-reliance.
