The African Democratic Congress ADC has strongly criticised the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission INEC, Prof Joash Amupitan, over his warning that the party should not go ahead with its planned congresses and national convention.
The party said the electoral body misunderstood a directive from the Court of Appeal and went beyond its legal powers by trying to interfere in internal party matters.
In a statement released on Friday, the ADC explained that INEC wrongly interpreted the court’s instruction to maintain the status quo in the ongoing legal dispute within the party. According to the party, the commission twisted the meaning of the order and applied it in a way that does not reflect what the court intended.
The ADC argued that the idea of maintaining the status quo does not mean stopping all activities within the party. Instead, it said such orders are meant to prevent actions that could permanently affect the subject of the case before the court, not to shut down normal democratic processes.
The party stressed that only the courts have the authority to explain what such orders mean and how far they should go. It insisted that INEC does not have the legal right to interpret or enforce court rulings in a way that limits the functioning of a political party.
Responding to concerns that holding congresses or a national convention could interfere with ongoing court proceedings, the ADC dismissed the claim. It stated that internal party activities carried out according to its constitution and the Electoral Act do not harm or cancel any pending legal case.
The party also pointed out that no court has issued a direct order stopping it from holding its congresses or national convention. It said the presence of internal disagreements does not remove its constitutional right to organise and carry out its activities.
The ADC further accused INEC of stepping outside its official role by attempting to stop lawful internal processes. It explained that the commission’s duty is to observe party activities once it has been properly informed, not to control or approve them.
According to the party, its decision to move forward with congresses does not depend on whether INEC is present or not, as long as the process follows the law.
The ADC also rejected comparisons with past political crises such as the Zamfara case, saying the situations are not the same. It noted that those earlier cases involved clear violations of electoral rules, while its own actions fully comply with legal requirements.
Reaffirming its position, the party said its right to hold congresses and a national convention is protected by the constitution. It made it clear that it will continue with its planned activities while respecting all relevant laws.
Finally, the ADC called on INEC to remain neutral and focus only on its constitutional duties without interfering in the internal affairs of political parties.
