The Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, Professor Joash Ojo Amupitan, has explained the implications that await the African Democratic Congress if the oppositional party proceeds with its planned congresses and convention despite the electoral body derecognizing David Mark-led leadership.
He warned that ADC risks severe legal consequences if it proceeds with its planned congress and convention in defiance of a court order.
Speaking during an Arise Television exclusive interview, Amupitan cautioned that disregarding judicial directives could ultimately invalidate any electoral victory secured by the party.
According to him, Nigeria’s electoral history offers clear precedents. “If they decide to go ahead, let me tell you what happened in Zamfara: it happened in the past. At the end of the day, after you have won, the court will declare the election invalid, and the implication is that the person with the second-highest number of votes will be declared the winner,” he said.
He further noted that a similar situation had occurred in Plateau State, reinforcing the judiciary’s readiness to nullify outcomes where due process is ignored.
Amupitan stressed that failure to comply with court orders carries significant legal risks, regardless of a party’s intentions. “Failure to obey the court order has consequences. They have liability to do whatever they want to do, but INEC doesn’t want to face a situation again where there is an order not to do anything or take any steps,” he added.
INEC chairman maintained that the court’s judgment on the matter is explicit and leaves little room for ambiguity, underscoring the importance of adherence to the rule of law in Nigeria’s electoral process.
This comes amid a crisis that thrilled ADC after INEC derecognized its leadership.
ADC leaders including formerleaders, Vice President Atiku Abubakar, former Anambra Governor Peter Obi, and others, had demanded the removal of Amupitan on Thursday.
Also, supporters of ADC had stormed INEC headquarters to demand Amupitan’s removal on Thursday.
ADC had vowed to continue with its planned congresses and convention despite INEC delisting.
Meanwhile, the ruling All Progressive Party and Presidency in separate statements dismissed ADC criticisms.
