ADC: INEC acted in accordance with the law – don
A University scholar, Dr. Akinola Awodeyi-Akinsehinwa, has defended the chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Joash Ojo Amupitan (SAN), over the commission’s decision to delist the leadership
A University scholar, Dr. Akinola Awodeyi-Akinsehinwa, has defended the chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Joash Ojo Amupitan (SAN), over the commission’s decision to delist the leadership of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) from its official portal.
In a statement on Friday, Dr. Awodeyi-Akinsehinwa described the INEC chairman’s action as a lawful and responsible step taken in strict compliance with a subsisting court order.
The scholar, a known academic, argued that Prof. Amupitan, being a Professor of Law and Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), fully understands the sanctity of court judgments and the legal obligation of INEC to obey them without fear or favour.
“Prof. Amupitan did not act arbitrarily. He simply gave effect to the clear directive of the Court of Appeal, which ordered the commission to maintain the status quo ante bellum and refrain from recognising the current leadership of the ADC pending the final determination of the matter,”
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He further explained that the delisting of Senator David Mark as National Chairman and Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola as National Secretary, along with other members of the National Working Committee, was not an act of partisanship but a necessary compliance with judicial pronouncement.
The university don warned against the growing tendency by some political actors to politicise routine legal obligations of institutions like INEC, stressing that such actions only erode public confidence in the electoral umpire.
“Rather than attacking the INEC Chairman for doing his job, the aggrieved parties should approach the courts for redress if they feel dissatisfied."
Resorting to media trials and calls for his sack does not help our democracy,” he added.
He commended Prof. Amupitan for demonstrating courage and fidelity to the rule of law, especially at a time when the commission faces intense pressure from various political interests ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The university don urged all political parties to resolve their internal leadership crises amicably and allow INEC to focus on its core mandate of conducting credible, free, and fair elections.
