By AbdulrahmanAliagan
The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has accused the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) of stretching judicial directives beyond their legal meaning, warning that such interpretation risks setting a dangerous precedent where regulatory caution becomes a tool for democratic suppression.
The party’s position follows comments by INEC Chairman, Professor Joash Amupitan, during an interview on ARISE NEWS, where he cautioned the ADC against proceeding with its congresses and national convention, citing ongoing litigation and the need to preserve the status quo.
However, in a strongly worded response issued by its National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, the ADC rejected the Chairman’s claims, describing them as a misapplication of constitutional principles and judicial directives.
The party argued that INEC’s interpretation of the Court of Appeal’s order to maintain the status quo was legally flawed and exceeded the Commission’s authority. According to the ADC, preservation orders are intended to prevent irreversible actions affecting the subject of litigation, not to paralyze the internal operations of a political party.
It further maintained that no court has expressly barred it from conducting congresses or holding its convention, stressing that democratic processes within a party cannot be suspended based on administrative assumptions.
The ADC also faulted INEC’s reliance on past judicial precedents, such as cases in Zamfara, noting that those instances involved clear violations of electoral requirements—circumstances it said do not apply in its current situation.
Describing INEC’s stance as an overreach, the party warned that allowing regulatory bodies to interpret court orders in ways that restrict lawful political activities could undermine Nigeria’s multi-party democracy in practice.
“The interpretation advanced by the INEC Chairman stretches judicial directives beyond their meaning and risks setting a dangerous precedent where regulatory caution becomes a tool for democratic suppression,” the statement said.
Reaffirming its commitment to due process, the ADC insisted that its planned activities would be conducted strictly in line with its constitution and the Electoral Act.
“The ADC will therefore proceed with its activities in full compliance with the law and urges INEC to confine itself strictly to its constitutional and statutory mandate,” the party added.