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From Ndubuisi Orji, Abuja
The African Democratic Congress (ADC) caucus in the House of Representatives has called for the prosecution of the chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Professor Joash Amupitan over alleged bias.
The caucus, at a press briefing, yesterday, said the sack and prosecution of Amupitan was necessary to safeguard the integrity of the country’s democracy.
The opposition lawmakers noted that the INEC chairman’s action is seemingly geared towards denying the ADC the opportunity to field candidates for the 2027 general election.
The electoral umpire had, on April 1, de-recognised the ADC National Working Committee (NWC) led by Senator David Mark and delisted the officials of the party from its portal, citing a Court of Appeal judgment directing parties in a leadership tussle in the party to maintain the status quo ante bellum pending the determination of the suit.
The leader of the caucus, Afam Ogene, who spoke on behalf of the lawmakers, also said the caucus would petition the National Judicial Commission (NJC) over politically exposed judicial officials, so that they could be investigated, and possibly, removed from the Bench.
Ogene noted that “the caucus is gravely concerned about the ostensibly undemocratic actions taken by INEC, under the leadership of Prof Amupitan, which appears to deny the ADC the opportunity to participate in the forthcoming elections.
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“This is being achieved through the perpetuation of a leadership crisis within the party, whereby INEC has abdicated its responsibility as an impartial arbiter and instead intervened in the party’s internal affairs.
“Specifically, the commission seems to be recognising an illegitimate leadership faction, contrary to the authentic leadership of Senator David Mark, which had previously been acknowledged and certified by INEC itself, having met the requisite criteria, as evidenced by a recent affidavit issued by the Commission.
“We note that the Commission, in collusion with certain elements within the judiciary, is actively working to undermine the aspirations of the ADC, thereby preventing the party from fielding candidates in the forthcoming elections, through duplicitous means that serve to obstruct inclusivity within the democratic process.”
He recalled that there had also been allegations that Amupitan had previously made statements on his X handle expressing support for the All Progressives Congress (APC), which INEC has already denied. “This has raised concerns regarding his transparency, integrity and trustworthiness, particularly given the critical nature of the office he holds, which will have far-reaching implications for the nation.
“In light of these inconsistencies and concerns regarding impartiality and integrity, the Caucus, on Monday, April 13, hereby calls for the removal of Prof Amupitan from office and advocates for his prosecution in order to safeguard the nation against an avoidable descent into undemocratic practices.
“We are vigilant and have concluded plans, on behalf of the Nigerian people, to submit a petition before the National Judicial Council (NJC), to the effect that politically exposed judicial officers, as recently outlined by the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) president, Afam Osigwe, be made to undergo investigations and possible removal from the Bench.
“As the ADC Caucus in the House of Representatives, we are compelled to act in response to the existential threat to our democracy. With critical segments of society, including the NBA, civil society, media and citizens, losing faith in the judiciary and electoral authorities, it is imperative that all Nigerians of goodwill transcend partisan divisions and prioritise rescuing our faltering democracy.”
