Nigeria TV Info 

Derecognition: Ignore Court Order at Your Peril, INEC Chairman Tells ADC Leaders

ABUJA, Nigeria – The Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Professor Joash Amupitan, has issued a stark warning to the African Democratic Congress (ADC) leadership, emphasising that disregarding court orders in the ongoing leadership dispute could carry serious legal and political consequences. His remarks come amid heightened tensions between INEC and the ADC over the recognition of party leadership and plans to hold party congresses and a national convention.

Prof. Amupitan spoke during a Friday interview on Arise Television, where he defended INEC’s recent decision to derecognise the leadership of the ADC, led by former Senate President David Mark and former Osun State Governor Rauf Aregbesola, from its official portal. The derecognition followed a Court of Appeal directive that all parties involved in the dispute should maintain status quo ante bellum — the state of affairs before legal action was instituted — until the substantive issue before the Federal High Court is resolved.

The INEC boss warned that should the ADC proceed with internal congresses or conventions in defiance of existing judicial directives and without the electoral body’s supervision, such actions could later jeopardise the validity of any candidates or outcomes arising from those processes. He cited past precedents in Zamfara and Plateau states where failure to comply with court orders ultimately led to the nullification of election results.

Amupitan also denied allegations that INEC’s actions were part of a plot to weaken opposition parties or create a one-party state, reaffirming the commission’s commitment to neutrality, adherence to the rule of law, and strict compliance with judicial pronouncements.

The ADC, however, has rejected INEC’s interpretation of the appellate court order, accusing the commission of overreach and misinterpretation of judicial directives. The party insists its planned activities remain lawful and has criticised Amupitan’s stance as undermining internal democratic processes.

The controversy reflects broader political friction ahead of the 2027 general elections, where the integrity of party structures and compliance with legal processes will be crucial for candidates and parties alike.