‘You’ve Failed Nigerians Already’ – ADC Stalwart Asks INEC Chair To Resign

A chieftain of the African Democratic Congress, ADC, Joemartins Uzodike, has launched a scathing attack on the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Joash Amupitan, accusing him of failing Nigerians even before the conduct of any election.

Uzodike, who is also a lawyer, called on the INEC chairman to resign, citing what he described as bias and gross misinterpretation of the law.

The criticism followed INEC’s decision to withdraw recognition of the leadership of the ADC reportedly led by David Mark.

Uzodike described the electoral body’s position as “disgraceful and mischievous,” insisting that the commission’s interpretation of a court order in the matter was flawed.

The ADC stalwart expressed disbelief that Amupitan, a Professor of Law and Senior Advocate of Nigeria, could allegedly misapply a fundamental legal principle.

He accused INEC of relying on a court order submitted by an individual, which he said reflected “deliberate ignorance of the law,” particularly the doctrine of status quo ante bellum.

According to Uzodike, the principle clearly implies a return to the state of affairs before the dispute arose.

In a strongly worded statement, Uzodike did not hold back in his criticism of the INEC chairman.

“You’ve failed Nigerians even before the election. I have been around in this country since independence and have actively participated in many elections. I make bold to say that an electoral umpire has never descended so brazenly and carelessly into the arena as we are witnessing now,” he said.

He further questioned the chairman’s legal reasoning, saying: “The chairman is a Professor of Law and a Senior Advocate of Nigeria. How can he not interpret the meaning of status quo ante bellum, which means to return to the position before the matter went to court?

“At what point was the ADC before Nafiu Bala went to court, and who was the chairman at that time?”

Uzodike accused INEC of using the court order to destabilise the opposition party, alleging that the commission’s action had effectively created a leadership vacuum within the ADC.

“The court simply said whoever was in office should remain pending the determination of the matter, but Amupitan’s INEC is saying the ADC does not exist,” he added.

He also faulted what he described as INEC’s recognition of an individual as a faction within the party.

Uzodike argued that Nafiu Bala neither has a secretary nor heads any known executive structure, raising concerns about the legitimacy of such recognition.

The development highlights growing tension within Nigeria’s political space, particularly involving opposition parties and the electoral umpire, as stakeholders begin to position themselves ahead of future elections.