The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has criticised the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Joash Amupitan, over remarks made in a recent interview.
In a statement on Friday, ADC spokesman Bolaji Abdullahi accused the INEC boss of misapplying constitutional principles and judicial directives, particularly in his interpretation of electoral processes.
Abdullahi argued that INEC’s claim of operating within a multi-party democratic framework does not address concerns about whether its actions are weakening opposition parties.
“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 organise and function,” he said.
He added that citing the existence of multiple political parties as proof of neutrality fails to address specific allegations raised against the commission.
The ADC also challenged Amupitan’s interpretation of a Court of Appeal order, particularly his reliance on the doctrine of status quo ante bellum, describing it as selective and legally flawed.
According to Abdullahi, such orders are meant to preserve the subject of litigation and not to halt the internal operations of a political party.
The party maintained that while it does not dispute Nigeria’s multi-party status, it is concerned about actions that could weaken democratic practice in reality.
