A prominent member of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Joemartins Uzodike, has called on the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Joash Amupitan, to resign, claiming he has already failed Nigerians even before any election has taken place.
Uzodike, a lawyer, was reacting to INEC’s withdrawal of recognition of the Senator David Mark-led leadership of the ADC. He described Amupitan’s statements on the matter as “disgraceful and mischievous.”
According to Uzodike, INEC’s interpretation of a court order under Amupitan’s leadership, despite his status as a Professor of Law and Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), demonstrated bias. He accused the Commission of relying on a court order submitted by an individual, showing what he called deliberate disregard for legal principles, especially the concept of status quo ante bellum.
“The INEC chairman’s actions have embarrassed the legal system by using a court order to create a leadership vacuum in an opposition party,” Uzodike said. He also criticized INEC’s recognition of Nafiu Bala as a faction leader, pointing out that Bala lacks a secretary or any known executive committee.
Uzodike added:
“I have participated in elections since independence, and I have never seen an electoral umpire descend so brazenly into the arena. A Professor of Law and SAN should understand that status quo ante bellum means returning to the position before the matter went to court. Yet, INEC claims the ADC does not exist.”
He further accused Amupitan of acting under external pressure, suggesting the chairman’s recent television interview revealed a lack of independence. Uzodike urged the INEC head to focus on strengthening Nigeria’s democracy rather than serving vested interests.
“For someone who has served as Deputy Vice-Chancellor, a professor, and a SAN, he should act with honour. His failure shows he is unfit to preside over our electoral affairs,” Uzodike concluded.
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