Prof. Joash Amupitan, the chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), has cautioned the African Democratic Congress (ADC) against proceeding with its congress and convention plans.
According to the current court decision, the INEC Chairman issued a warning that the electoral commission would not keep an eye on such congresses and conventions.
In an interview with Arise News on Friday, Amupitan said that whatever action the ADC does prior to the court’s decision regarding the party’s leadership problem is illegitimate.
He cautioned that if the ADC holds primary elections and its candidates win, the court has the authority to declare the elections void. This implies that the winner will be the person who received the second-highest number of votes, as was the case in Zamfara and Plateau states.
According to Naija News, the INEC Chairman issued the warning in response to the ADC group led by David Mark’s insistence on holding its scheduled congresses and convention ahead of the 2027 elections, even if the electoral umpire does not keep an eye on such activities.
Amupitan, however, cautioned that such actions have repercussions and asked the ADC to keep things as they are until a court decision is made.
“Let me tell you what happened in Zamfara: it happened in the past,” he stated. The person with the second-highest number of votes is implied to be the winner when the court declares the election illegal after you have won. It took place in Plateau State.
There are repercussions if the court order is disregarded. They are free to do as they choose, but INEC does not want to be in a position where they are told not to take any action. I can read the verdict that I have here, and it is pretty clear.
“Therefore, if I go ahead and monitor their convention, for example, I am taking action that will impact the matter that is pending before the court.”
