ADC Accuses INEC Chair of Court Contempt Over Congresses
The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has accused INEC Chairperson Joash Amupitan of contempt of court for warning the party against holding planned congresses and national convention. In a Friday statement, ADC spokesperson Bolaji Abdullahi rejected Amupitan's remarks on Arise Television, arguing that INEC misinterprets a Court of Appeal order to maintain 'status quo ante bellum.'
ADC insists its internal activities are lawful and constitutionally protected, unaffected by the court order. The party contends that the preservation order is meant to prevent irreversible alterations to litigation subject matter, not to paralyze party functions. ADC also argues that determining 'status quo' is for courts, not INEC, and that INEC's monitoring role doesn't validate or invalidate party processes.
The dispute stems from a leadership challenge where Nafiu Bala contests David Mark's emergence as National President. After Mark's group filed an interlocutory appeal on September 18, 2025, the Court of Appeal dismissed it on March 12, 2026, ordering status quo maintenance. INEC then declared it won't recognize either faction until the Federal High Court rules. ADC faults this interpretation, saying no court expressly barred its congresses.
With INEC threatening enforcement, ADC vows to proceed, claiming overreach. This clash raises questions about electoral commission powers versus party autonomy. Should INEC interpret court orders for parties, or must it defer to judicial determinations on what constitutes 'status quo'?