INEC Chairman Joash Ojo Amupitan
From Ndubuisi Orji, Abuja
In the aftermath of the the Supreme Court ruling, which reinstated the Senator David Mark-led National Working Committee (NWC) of the African Democratic Congress ( ADC), the party has reiterated its call for the resignation of the chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission ( INEC), Joash Amupitan.
The ADC, in a statement by its National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, said the verdict of the apex court was a confirmation that the INEC’s decision to de-recognise the Mark leadership was fundamentally faulty.
The electoral umpire had recently delisted the ADC NWC led by Mark from its portal, citing an order by the Court of Appeal for parties in leadership disputes in the party to maintain status quo ante bellum.
However, the Supreme Court, in its verdict on an appeal filed by the Mark-led NWC set aside the order and directed the parties to return to the Federal High Court for the determination of the substantive suit.
The opposition party, while commending the Supreme Court for the ruling, noted that it has laid to rest all contrived disputes and uncertainties in the ADC.
“Today’s (yesterday) decision is a clear and unequivocal affirmation that our party, its structures and its leadership under our National Chairman, Senator Mark and our National Secretary, Ogbeni Aregbesola, are legitimate. It lays to rest all contrived disputes and manufactured uncertainties and reinforces the principle that the rule of law, not political manipulation, must guide the affairs of our democracy.
“We commend the five-man panel of the Supreme Court, whose unanimous judgment has today done great credit to the judiciary in our country and our political system.
“However, while we welcome this judgement, we do not mistake it for the end of the struggle. The events leading up to this moment have exposed a troubling pattern of interference, bad faith and attempts to weaken opposition voices in Nigeria.
“Let it be clearly stated that the ADC will not be intimidated, distracted or silenced. We remain resolute in our mission to provide Nigerians with a credible alternative, anchored on ending insecurity, reducing the cost of living and creating jobs at large scale.
“We, therefore, urge all our members, supporters and democratic stakeholders across the country to remain vigilant. Democracy is not defended in a single courtroom victory, it is sustained through constant vigilance, active participation and the courage to resist any attempt to undermine the will of the people. What has been attempted once can be attempted again, hence, we must not let our guard down, “ the party stated.
It added: “In the light of this ruling, the ADC reaffirms its long-standing position that Prof. Joash Amupitan, the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), must resign. The circumstances surrounding this matter, now clarified by the Supreme Court, point to either a grave failure of judgment or a deliberate act of bad faith.
“Whichever it is, the outcome is the same: the integrity and neutrality required of the office have been compromised. Nigeria’s democracy cannot afford an electoral umpire whose actions raise legitimate questions about impartiality.
“INEC must now restore the recognition of the David Mark-led leadership on its website, and in all formal channels of communication.
On its part, the ADC will continue to stand firm, speak clearly and act decisively in defence of democracy, justice and the Nigerian people.”
