 |
| INEC chairman, Joash Amupitan |
Awarenessinfo hub has gathered a political news that the African Democratic Congress (ADC) has hit back at Joash Amupitan, chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), over his comments on the party's planned congresses and convention, describing his position as a misinterpretation of a court of appeal directive.
In a statement issued on Friday, Bolaji Abdullahi, national publicity secretary of the ADC, said the party rejects INEC's claim that proceeding with its planned congresses could violate court orders, accusing the commission's chairman of acting outside its supervisory role and attempting to halt lawful internal processes.
"The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has carefully reviewed the recent interview granted by the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Professor Joash Amupitan, and finds it necessary to respond, in order to correct several legal and factual misrepresentations," the statement reads.
Abdullahi argued that the issue raised by the party is not whether Nigeria remains a multi-party democracy but whether INEC's actions could weaken 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 organize and function," he said.
The ADC spokesperson faulted Amupitan's interpretation of the court of appeal's directive on maintaining the "status quo ante bellum", saying it is "both selective and legally flawed".
He added that the preservation order is intended to prevent actions that would irreversibly alter the subject matter of litigation, not to paralyze the internal functioning of a political party.
Abdullahi emphasized that INEC does not have the authority to determine what constitutes the status quo in the case, saying the chairman's attempt to define it is an administrative interpretation that INEC is not empowered to make. "That determination lies strictly within the jurisdiction of the courts, not the Commission," he said.
The ADC will proceed with its congresses and convention in line with the law, Abdullahi said, urging INEC to confine itself strictly to its constitutional and statutory mandate.
For Advert Placement, Publicity, Partnership, PR, and Brand Promotion. Call us on 08089056114 or chat with us on whatsapp via https://wa.me/+2348089056114
Awareness is everybody's duty. As you read the news, kindly share the news!