African Democratic Congress Demands Resignation of INEC Chairman Professor Joash Amupitan Over Alleged Pro APC Partisanship

ADC leadership demands Professor Joash Amupitan and INEC commissioners resign, alleging pro-APC bias and illegal derecognition of the opposition party.

By: AXL Media

Published: Apr 3, 2026, 5:16 AM EDT

Source: The information in this article was sourced from Business Hallmark

Escalating Tension Within the Electoral Landscape

The leadership of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) has formally called for the immediate resignation of Professor Joash Amupitan, the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). During a press briefing in Abuja on April 2, party leaders expressed a total loss of confidence in the commission's ability to serve as an impartial arbiter of the democratic process. This demand extends beyond the Chairman to include all National Commissioners, as the party insists that the current administrative structure is fundamentally compromised. The move highlights a deepening rift between opposition forces and the electoral body as political maneuvering for the next general election intensifies.

Allegations of Targeted Political Derecognition

Central to the dispute is a recent decision by INEC to withdraw official recognition from the ADC. Party stalwarts have characterized this development as a politically motivated strike designed to handicap a viable opposition platform. Senator David Mark, speaking on behalf of the ADC leadership, suggested that the commission’s actions are synchronized with the interests of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). By stripping the party of its status, critics argue that INEC is effectively narrowing the political space and favoring the incumbency, thereby threatening the principle of multi party competition in Nigeria.

Commitment to Internal Party Programming

Despite the lack of official recognition from the electoral commission, the ADC leadership has vowed to proceed with its scheduled political activities and internal congresses. Senator Mark clarified that the party is not legally bound to wait for INEC's presence to conduct its own internal programs, provided the commission has been duly notified. The party intends to maintain its organizational momentum across the country, asserting its right to function as a political entity under the law. This stance represents a direct challenge to the commission’s authority and sets the stage for a potential legal showdown over the legitimacy of the party's upcoming activities.