Resign, you've failed Nigerians – ADC chieftain blasts INEC chair

Joemartins Uzodike, a chieftain of the opposition African Democratic Congress (ADC), has demanded the immediate resignation of INEC Chairman Prof Joash Amupitan, alleging the electoral body has already failed Nigerians ahead of the 2027 elections. Uzodike's anger stems from INEC's withdrawal of recognition from the Senator David Mark-led ADC national leadership, calling Amupitan's pronouncements on the matter disgraceful and mischievous.

A lawyer, Uzodike accused the INEC chairman—a Professor of Law and Senior Advocate of Nigeria—of deliberately misinterpreting a court order involving status quo ante bellum. He argued the court simply ordered parties to maintain the existing situation pending determination, yet INEC effectively declared the ADC non-existent by refusing to recognize its leadership. Uzodike also challenged INEC's recognition of Nafiu Bala as a faction leader, noting he lacks a secretary or executive committee.

'At what point was the ADC before Nafiu Bala went to court, and who was the chairman then?' Uzodike asked. He further warned: 'An electoral umpire has never descended so brazenly and carelessly into the arena as we are witnessing now.' The dispute raises concerns that a leadership vacuum in the ADC could weaken opposition cohesion for 2027, while also casting INEC's neutrality into doubt.

Why this matters: If INEC cannot impartially manage internal party disputes, its credibility for conducting the 2027 elections suffers. TheADC's ability to field candidates hinges on legal recognition of its leadership. Nigerians should watch how this unfolds, as the precedent could affect all parties.

Will this controversy ultimately strengthen or fracture the opposition ahead of 2027? And what does it signal about INEC's readiness to manage a contentious election?

SOURCE: https://dailypost.ng/2026/04/06/2027-resign-youve-failed-nigerians-adc-chieftain-blasts-inec-chair/