The African Democratic Congress has lashed out at the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission, Professor Joash Amupitan, accusing him of exceeding his powers and wrongly interpreting a court directive.
Despite INEC’s position, the opposition party insisted it would continue with its planned congresses and national convention.
The dispute centres on a Court of Appeal order directing all parties to maintain the status quo, which both sides interpret differently.
While INEC maintains that the order requires the ADC to suspend its activities, the party argued that such an interpretation is flawed and could undermine the operations of opposition parties.
The ADC stated its position in a statement issued by its National Publicity Secretary, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, following remarks made by the INEC chairman during a Friday interview on ARISE NEWS.
According to the party, INEC’s interpretation of the court order amounts to a deliberate misrepresentation designed to obstruct its legitimate internal processes.
“The preservation order, by its nature, is intended to prevent actions that would irreversibly alter the subject matter of litigation, not to paralyse the internal functioning of a political party.”
“That determination lies strictly within the jurisdiction of the courts, not the Commission,” it added.
The ADC dismissed claims that holding its congresses could jeopardise ongoing legal proceedings, insisting that its internal activities are lawful and do not conflict with any matter before the court.
“Democratic continuity within a political party is presumed under the law unless expressly restrained by a competent court,” the statement said, adding that no such order has been issued.
The party also argued that the validity of its congresses does not depend on INEC’s involvement or attendance.
“A party’s decision to proceed with its internal processes does not depend on INEC’s participation,” it stated.
Addressing concerns over multiple communications from different factions within the party, the ADC said such disagreements are normal in politics and should not be used as grounds to halt its activities.
“INEC’s role is not to arbitrate these disputes or to freeze party activities pending their resolution, but to maintain neutrality and allow due process to run its course.”
“Pre-emptively warning of hypothetical judicial consequences amounts to speculation and cannot serve as a legal basis to restrict lawful party activities,” the statement said.
Although INEC has defended its position as a measure aimed at avoiding possible legal complications, the ADC argued that such concerns cannot justify restricting constitutional rights.
“The law does not permit administrative bodies to curtail constitutional rights on the basis of speculative future outcomes,” it added.
The party maintained that it remains within its legal rights to organise congresses and hold its national convention.
“The ADC will therefore proceed with its activities in full compliance with the law,” the statement said, urging INEC to remain within its constitutional responsibilities.
