You Are Not The Court: ADC Fire Back At INEC Chairman, Amupitan Says INEC Chair Acting In Contempt Of Court

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has rejected claims made by the INEC Chairman, Professor Joash Amupitan, during an interview on ARISE NEWS on Friday morning, where he warned that proceeding with its congresses and convention could violate existing court orders. The party described the position of INEC as wilful distortion of the Court of Appeal’s directive to maintain the status quo, which amounts to contempt of the court.

ADC accused INEC of overstepping its supervisory role and attempting to halt lawful processes, insisting that internal disputes do not suspend democratic functions, while reaffirming its decision to proceed in full compliance with the law.
The full statement read:

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has carefully reviewed the recent interview granted by the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Professor Joash Amupitan, and finds it necessary to respond, in order to correct several legal and factual misrepresentations. While the Commission seeks to present its position as one anchored in law and neutrality, the substance of the Chairman’s own statements reveals a fundamental misapplication of both constitutional principles and judicial directives.

First, the Chairman’s repeated assertion that INEC is merely acting within the confines of a “multi-party constitutional order” is, with respect, a deflection from the central issue. The question before Nigerians is not whether Nigeria remains a multi-party state in theory, but whether the actions of INEC in practice are undermining the ability of opposition parties to freely organize and function.

The ADC has not alleged the abolition of multi-party democracy in form; rather, it has raised concerns about actions that, in effect, weaken it. The Chairman’s reliance on the existence of multiple parties as proof of neutrality does not address the specific conduct under scrutiny.

On the issue of the Court of Appeal’s order, the Chairman places heavy reliance on the doctrine of status quo ante bellum, suggesting that it requires a rollback to a particular point in time and a suspension of party activities. This interpretation is both selective and legally flawed.

The preservation order, by its nature, is intended to prevent actions that would irreversibly alter the subject matter of litigation, not to paralyze the internal functioning of a political party. The Chairman’s attempt to define the “status quo” by tracing the controversy to internal party developments in July 2025 is an administrative interpretation that INEC is not empowered to make. That determination lies strictly within the jurisdiction of the courts, not the Commission.

Furthermore, the Chairman’s claim that holding congresses or conventions would “render proceedings nugatory” is an overreach. Internal party processes, conducted in line with the party’s constitution and the Electoral Act, do not extinguish or prejudice pending judicial proceedings. On the contrary, democratic continuity within a political party is presumed under the law unless expressly restrained by a competent court. No such explicit order prohibiting congresses or conventions has been cited. What exists are general preservation directives, which cannot be expanded into a blanket prohibition on party governance.

The assertion that INEC is restrained from monitoring congresses due to an injunction equally exposes a critical misunderstanding of its role. INEC’s duty to monitor is statutory and triggered upon proper notification. A party’s decision to proceed with its internal processes does not depend on INEC’s participation. By conflating its monitoring function with the validity of the processes themselves, INEC effectively places itself above the law, assuming a veto power it does not possess.

The Chairman also references conflicting communications from different factions within the ADC as justification for inaction. However, the existence of internal disputes does not suspend a political party’s constitutional rights. Indeed, such disputes are commonplace in democratic systems and are routinely resolved without administrative paralysis. INEC’s role is not to arbitrate these disputes or to freeze party activities pending their resolution, but to maintain neutrality and allow due process to run its course.

ADC Fire Back At INEC Chairman

On the invocation of precedents such as Zamfara, the comparison is misplaced. Those cases involved clear and established failures to comply with mandatory legal requirements for primaries. In contrast, the ADC has demonstrated its commitment to conducting its processes in strict accordance with its constitution and the Electoral Act. Pre-emptively warning of hypothetical judicial consequences, as the Chairman has done, amounts to speculation and cannot serve as a legal basis to restrict lawful party activities.

Finally, while the Chairman frames INEC’s position as one of caution to avoid future judicial invalidation of elections, this reasoning cannot justify present overreach. The law does not permit administrative bodies to curtail constitutional rights on the basis of speculative future outcomes. The proper course is to allow parties to act within the law and for courts to adjudicate disputes as they arise.

In conclusion, the ADC reiterates that its right to organize congresses and hold its national convention is constitutionally guaranteed and has not been lawfully suspended by any court. 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 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.

SIGNED:
Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi
ADC National Publicity Secretary

IGP Disu Orders Massive Security Deployment For Easter; Felicitates With Christians

The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu, psc(+), NPM, has extended warm felicitations to the Christian faithful across Nigeria as they observe Good Friday, Easter Sunday, and Easter Monday in commemoration of the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ.

In furtherance of his commitment to ensuring a safe and secure environment during the festive period, the Inspector-General has directed Commissioners of Police and Tactical Commanders across all states of the Federation and the Federal Capital Territory to implement robust security arrangements.

These operational measures include the strategic deployment of tactical teams and intelligence operatives, alongside the mobilization of the Special Intervention Squad and conventional police personnel to worship centers and critical infrastructure.

Furthermore, there will be an increased presence at highways, motor parks, recreational centers, and other public spaces to ensure peaceful and hitch-free celebrations throughout the Easter long weekend.

The IGP has also ordered heightened visibility policing, coordinated patrols, enhanced surveillance operations, and intelligence-led stop-and-search duties. These actions are aimed at proactively deterring criminal activities and ensuring a swift response to any emerging threats that may arise during the festivities.

IGP Disu Orders Massive Security Deployment For Easter

IGP Disu calls on members of the public to remain vigilant, cooperate with law enforcement agencies, and promptly report any suspicious activities to the nearest police station or through the following emergency lines: 08057000001, 08057000002, 09133333785, and 09133333786.

IGP Tunji Disu wishes all Nigerians a peaceful and joyous Easter celebration.

DCP ANTHONY OKON PLACID psc(+) mni
Force Public Relations Officer
Force Headquarters, Abuja
3rd April, 2026

Plateau Attack: IGP Disu Undertakes Operational Visit, Orders Sustained Action To Restore Peace

The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu, psc(+), NPM, has undertaken an operational visit to Plateau State following the recent attack in Angwan Rukuba Community, Nasarawa Gwong area of Jos North Local Government Area, which resulted in the tragic loss of innocent lives.

The IGP strongly condemned the attack and, upon arrival, paid a courtesy visit to the Executive Governor of Plateau State, His Excellency Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang, to commiserate with him and the people of the State over the incident of March 29, 2026. He thereafter proceeded to Angwan Rukuba for an on-the-spot assessment of the affected community.

The Inspector-General noted that upon receipt of the distress call, an immediate and robust operational response was activated. This included the deployment of the Deputy Inspector-General of Police in charge of Operations, DIG Usman Nadada, and the Assistant Inspector-General of Police in charge of the Police Mobile Force, AIG Francis Iwu, alongside eight (8) units of the Police Mobile Force, the Special Intervention Squad, and other tactical and intelligence units. These operations were executed swiftly in collaboration with other security agencies, including the military.

He further stated that the situation has been significantly de-escalated through coordinated security operations and sustained engagements with the Local Government Chairman, community leaders, and youth groups. Security personnel remain strategically deployed to maintain law and order, while intensive intelligence-led operations are ongoing to identify and apprehend those responsible for the attack.

The IGP emphasised that sustained operations will continue until normalcy is fully restored. He also warned youths in Jos against taking the law into their own hands, stressing that any form of reprisal or vigilantism would only escalate tensions and undermine ongoing peace efforts.

In his remarks, the Executive Governor of Plateau State commended the Nigeria Police Force for its prompt response, particularly acknowledging the leadership of the Commissioner of Police, Plateau State Command, CP Bassey Ewah, and the decisive role of the Police Mobile Force in containing the crisis.

The Governor, however, highlighted the need for structural improvements in security management, including the establishment of State Police to enhance operational efficiency. He also underscored the importance of modern policing tools, recommending the acquisition of night surveillance drones with infrared capabilities to strengthen security operations.

Emphasising the critical role of intelligence, the Governor called on the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) and the State Intelligence Bureau (SIB) to intensify intelligence-gathering efforts. He further pledged continued support for the Nigeria Police through the provision of logistics, while noting that challenges such as vast terrain, manpower demands, and the distance between armouries remain significant factors affecting effective security coverage.

Plateau Attack

The Inspector-General assured that he will brief the President and Commander-in-Chief on the current security situation as part of ongoing national security coordination efforts.

He called on residents to remain calm, vigilant, and law-abiding, and to support security agencies with credible information to aid ongoing operations. The Nigeria Police Force reiterates its unwavering commitment to the protection of lives and property across the country.

DCP ANTHONY OKON PLACID psc(+) mni
Force Public Relations Officer
Force Headquarters, Abuja
3rd April, 2026