ADC Reps Demand INEC Chair’s Prosecution, NJC Probe of Judges

By Ifeyinwa Ike

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) Caucus in the House of Representatives has called for the immediate removal and prosecution of Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) Chairman Professor Joash Amupitan, accusing him of partisanship and bias that threaten the 2027 general elections.

In its inaugural meeting on Sunday, April 12, the caucus highlighted Amupitan’s alleged partisan X (formerly Twitter) posts supporting the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and claiming a Christian genocide in Nigeria.

Despite INEC’s denial of ownership, the group cited digital forensics linking the account to Amupitan’s registered phone number, questioning his integrity as electoral umpire.

The caucus condemned INEC’s handling of ADC’s internal leadership crisis, alleging the commission recognises an illegitimate faction over the authentic leadership of Senator David Mark, previously certified by INEC itself.

They claim this, in collusion with judiciary elements, aims to bar ADC from fielding 2027 candidates, violating democratic inclusivity.

“INEC has abdicated its role as impartial arbiter,” thy said, pointing to an upcoming April 14 court case on ADC leadership that they said involves judicial-INEC collaboration to favor the discredited faction.

The group invoked Sections 83(5) and 83(6) of the Electoral Act 2026, which bar courts from meddling in party internal affairs, impose heavy costs on violators (at least ₦10 million each on counsel and plaintiffs), and mandate accelerated hearings without interim injunctions.

In response, the caucus plans to petition the National Judicial Council (NJC) over politically exposed judges, echoing Nigerian Bar Association President Afam Osigwe’s recent warnings about political patronage like gifting cars to judges, eroding public trust.

ADC Reps decried the trend of questionable judgments and judicial overreach, contrasting it with military-era judicial giants like Chukwudifu Oputa and Kayode Eso, who upheld justice under authoritarianism.

They urged Nigerians to unite beyond partisanship to save democracy from electoral and judicial failures.

“INEC must demonstrate true independence, transparency, and credibility, current perceptions suggest otherwise,” the caucus concluded.