From Okwe Obi, Abuja
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has secured the backing of the National Civil Society Council of Nigeria (NCSCN) for derecognising the David Mark-led exco of the African Democratic Congress (ADC).
The Court of Appeal on March 12, dismissed the appeal filed by the former Senate president, David Mark-led faction of the party.
NCSCN Executive Director, Blessing Akinlosotu, in a statement yesterday, argued that INEC’s de-recognition was not an act of victimisation but a strict adherence to the Court of Appeal’s order to return to the status existing before September 2, 2025.
Akinlosotu contended that it was high time political parties understood that INEC has enormous powers under section 228 of the Constitution of Nigeria 1999 and sections 82(4) and 83 of the Electoral Act 2026 to enforce internal democracy within the political parties, strict compliance with the Constitution and the Electoral Act including the fair and transparent conduct of their affairs and give lawful directives to them.
According to him, the “legal blunder” of challenging jurisdiction at the appellate level instead of arguing the merit at the trial court was a strategic choice by the party faction, not a fault of INEC.
He warned against the weaponisation of civil society organisations, claiming that they have received intelligence regarding attempts by some people to mobilise CSOs for a “national protest” aimed at blackmailing the Commission.
He added: “In light of the unpatriotic and ill-motivated calls for the resignation of the INEC Chairman, the NCSCN hereby issues a resolute and unanimous Vote of Confidence in Professor Joash Ojo Amupitan, SAN. Our confidence is predicated on the following:
“As a Senior Advocate of Nigeria and a distinguished Professor of Law, Prof. Amupitan has brought a “Rule of Law” first approach to the Commission. His refusal to bow to political pressure in the ADC matter is proof of his commitment to judicial sanctity.
“Under his leadership, we have seen a shift away from the “primitive era” of result manipulation and ballot snatching toward a system where votes truly count through the safeguards that have been introduced into the BVAS.
“The current focus on tackling “vote trading” is a testament to the fact that the electoral process has become too robust for old-fashioned rigging.
“Since his swearing-in on October 23, 2025, the chairman has demonstrated that he is apolitical, focusing strictly on delivering a free, fair and inclusive process for 2027.
“The results of the Anambra State governorship election in November 2025 and the recent FCT Area Council elections are indications that he should be given a chance.
“An attack on the INEC Chairman for obeying a court order is an attack on the judiciary itself. We will not stand by while a man of such academic and professional distinction is maligned for simply doing his job.”
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