RismadarVoice Reporters, April 6, 2026
A senior member of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Joemartins Uzodike, has called on the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Joash Amupitan, to step down from office, accusing him of failing Nigerians even before the next election cycle begins.
Uzodike made the call while reacting to INEC’s decision to withdraw recognition of the Senator David Mark-led leadership of the ADC.
The lawyer criticized the electoral body’s handling of the matter, describing Amupitan’s comments and actions as both “disgraceful” and “mischievous.”
According to him, INEC’s interpretation of a court order under Amupitan’s leadership raises serious concerns about impartiality. Uzodike argued that despite the chairman’s credentials as a Professor of Law and a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), the commission appeared to rely on a court order presented by an individual, which he said reflects a misunderstanding or deliberate disregard of the legal principle of status quo ante bellum.
He maintained that the commission’s action has caused embarrassment to the legal profession and accused the INEC chairman of using the court ruling in a manner that has created a leadership crisis within the opposition party.
Uzodike also questioned INEC’s alleged recognition of Nafiu Bala as a factional leader, insisting that Bala does not head any identifiable executive structure within the party.
“I have lived in this country since independence and have taken part in several elections. Never have I seen an electoral umpire descend so openly and recklessly into the political arena as we are witnessing now,” he said.
Explaining his position, Uzodike argued that the court order merely required the party to maintain the leadership structure that existed before the case was filed.
“The phrase status quo ante bellum simply means reverting to the position before the dispute went to court. The key question is: what was the situation in the ADC before Nafiu Bala instituted the suit, and who was the recognised chairman at the time?” he asked.
He further claimed the court only directed that those occupying office should remain – pending the final determination of the case, accusing INEC of misinterpreting the ruling by suggesting that the party’s leadership structure is invalid.
“The INEC chairman has failed in his duty to uphold the law. His actions show he cannot oversee Nigeria’s electoral process without bias. For that reason, he should resign,” Uzodike stated.
The ADC chieftain also urged Amupitan to prioritise strengthening democratic institutions rather than, in his view, serving vested interests. He added that the chairman’s recent television appearance suggested he might be operating under external pressure.
“From his body language during the interview, it appeared he was not acting independently. Given his background as a professor, SAN, and former deputy vice-chancellor, he should demonstrate the honour expected of someone in such positions,” Uzodike added.
