…….Defends Compliance with Court of Appeal Judgment on ADC Crisis

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has firmly rejected calls for the removal of its Chairman, Professor Joash O. Amupitan, SAN, describing them as a distraction and an assault on the commission’s constitutional independence.

In a strongly worded press release issued on Wednesday, INEC clarified that the Chairman’s appointment, tenure, and removal are strictly governed by Section 157 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), and not subject to the whims of any political party or interest group.

The commission’s reaction follows public statements by some political actors accusing INEC of partisan bias over its decision to comply with a recent Court of Appeal judgment concerning the African Democratic Congress (ADC).

INEC explained that it chose to obey the appellate court’s ruling to avoid a repeat of the situations in Zamfara and Plateau states, where elected officials were removed by election tribunals due to disobedience of court judgments.

The commission further stated that proceeding to monitor the congress and convention of the David Mark-led ADC faction would have amounted to disobeying a preservative order of the Federal High Court, which restrained INEC from taking any steps that could render pending processes nugatory. The matter, according to INEC, is currently before the court for accelerated hearing.

“Section 287(2) of the 1999 Constitution mandates every person and authority in Nigeria to obey and enforce judgments of the Court of Appeal,” the release emphasised.

INEC also addressed allegations of undermining the multi-party system, pointing out that under Professor Amupitan’s leadership, it has registered and recognised three new political parties — the Democratic Leadership Alliance (DLA), Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), and National Democratic Party (NDP) — bringing the total number of active political parties in Nigeria to 22.

The commission described this as “an empirical rebuttal to any claim of a one-party agenda,” insisting it remains a neutral regulator rather than a participant in political competition.

On updates to party leadership records, INEC said its actions are guided solely by subsisting court orders and the provisions of the Electoral Act 2026, and it would not allow itself to be drawn into internal party conflicts.

Voter Revalidation Exercise Not Politically Motivated

INEC also moved to dispel what it called misconceptions surrounding the planned nationwide voter revalidation exercise.

The commission clarified that the decision to revalidate the voters’ register predates the appointment of Professor Amupitan and is a professional necessity aimed at sanitising the National Register of Voters, which currently contains data from 2011 to 2024.

The exercise, which is not a fresh registration but an administrative audit, seeks to address issues such as transfers, multiple registrations, and deceased persons. It will be conducted in phases across all local government areas and polling units, with digital options for ease of access.

INEC stressed that the revalidation is uniform and transparent, and “not targeted at any region, party, or demographic.”

Focus on Upcoming Off-Cycle Elections

The electoral body said it remains focused on conducting credible off-cycle governorship elections in Ekiti State in June 2026 and Osun State in August 2026, and would not be distracted by unfounded allegations of bias or collusion.

“Our allegiance remains solely to the Constitution and the will of the Nigerian people,” the statement declared.

INEC reiterated its commitment to free, fair, credible, and inclusive elections, describing calls for Professor Amupitan’s resignation as misplaced.

The press release was e-signed by Adedayo Oketola, Chief Press Secretary to the INEC Chairman.

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has withdrawn its recognition of the Senator David Mark-led leadership of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), citing a recent judgment of the Court of Appeal.

The development stems from an ongoing leadership crisis in the party, pitting the faction led by former Senate President David Mark (as National Chairman) and former Osun State Governor Rauf Aregbesola (as National Secretary) against a rival group associated with Nafiu Bala Gombe, a former Deputy National Chairman.

According to reports, the Court of Appeal in Abuja, in a ruling delivered around mid-March 2026, dismissed an appeal filed by Senator Mark challenging an earlier decision of the Federal High Court. The appellate court struck out the appeal on procedural grounds, describing it as incompetent because it was filed against an interlocutory ruling without the required leave of court. It also directed parties to maintain the status quo ante bellum (the situation as it existed before the dispute escalated) pending the determination of the substantive suit at the lower court.

Factional leader Nafiu Bala Gombe subsequently wrote to INEC, arguing that the Appeal Court’s order effectively nullified the recognition previously granted to the Mark-led executive and threatened contempt proceedings against the electoral body if it continued to accord recognition to that leadership.

INEC’s decision to withdraw recognition appears to be in response to this interpretation of the appellate judgment and related petitions from the rival faction. The electoral commission had earlier recognized Mark and Aregbesola as the party’s national leaders following internal processes within the ADC.

The Mark-led ADC faction has consistently maintained that the Court of Appeal ruling was purely procedural and did not affect the legitimacy or tenure of its leadership. Party officials urged members not to panic, describing the judgment as preserving the status quo without sacking the current executives. Several state chapters have also disowned suits seeking to remove Mark.

The crisis has lingered for months, with multiple court cases filed by different factions. Earlier attempts to secure injunctions restraining INEC from recognizing Mark and Aregbesola were refused by the Federal High Court. Other suits challenging the leadership, including one involving former ADC presidential candidate Dumebi Kachikwu, have also been dismissed.

Political observers note that the withdrawal of recognition could have significant implications for the ADC’s participation in future elections, including the ability to submit candidate lists and access party funds or facilities. The substantive suit before Justice Emeka Nwite of the Federal High Court, which will determine the authentic leadership of the party, is still pending.

As at the time of filing this report, neither INEC nor the Mark-led ADC had issued an official statement confirming or reacting to the withdrawal of recognition. The development further deepens the internal divisions within what was positioned by some as a potential opposition platform ahead of future polls.

The African Democratic Congress has been embroiled in leadership tussles since Mark and Aregbesola assumed roles in the party, with accusations of constitutional breaches and external influences flying between factions. The final resolution now rests with the courts.

A frontline broadcaster with Arise News, Dr. Chiogo Constance Ikokwu, has declared her intention to represent Idemili North and South Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives in the upcoming election 2027.

“This transition is, for me, a continuation of service, just on a different platform. I have had the privilege of telling the stories that shape our nation, holding power to account, amplifying underrepresented voices, and helping citizens make sense of complex issues,” said Ikokwu.

In a statement announcing her decision to take a leave of absence from journalism to venture into active politics, she , emphasised the need for professionals to directly contribute to governance and national development.

Dr. Ikokwu, a respected anchor and analyst known for her incisive interrogation of public policy and accountability issues, said her decision was informed by years of firsthand exposure to governance gaps and the conviction that competent Nigerians must move beyond commentary to participation.

According to her, years in journalism have deepened her understanding of Nigeria’s challenges and opportunities, reinforcing her belief that ethical and informed leadership remains critical to national progress.

Ikokwu noted that her professional experience has connected her directly with the realities faced by ordinary Nigerians, providing insight into where policies succeed and where they fail.

“My experience as a journalist has not only given me insight into governance but has also connected me directly to the everyday realities of our people , their frustrations, resilience and aspirationsShe argued that politics should not be the exclusive preserve of careerpoliticians, but must also accommodate individuals with fresh ideas, integrity and a genuine commitment to public service.

The broadcaster further expressed hope that her decision would inspire other Nigerians with the requisite competence and passion to actively participate in shaping the country’s future.