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You Are Not The Court: ADC Fire Back At INEC Chairman, Amupitan Says INEC Chair Acting In Contempt Of Court
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
ICMNA: President’s Induction Address By DIG Isyaku Mohammed, PhD, FCNA (DTD)
Distinguished Members of the Police High Command, Members of the Governing Council of the Institute, Distinguished Guests, Ladies and Gentlemen, and our esteemed Commissioners of Police to be inducted.
Eereporter.com
I bring you warm greetings from the President and Governing Council of the Institute of Conflict Management and Negotiation Analysts (ICMNA).
The President of the Institute sincerely regrets his inability to be physically present at this important occasion due to unavoidable official commitments.
He has, however, conveyed his profound appreciation to the Nigeria Police Force for this strategic partnership and has requested me to deliver this address on his behalf and to perform the induction ceremony.
It is therefore my honour and privilege to represent the President & the Governing Council of the Institute on this significant occasion.
Today marks another significant milestone in the advancement of professional excellence, ethical leadership, and strategic conflict management within our nation.
Permit me, on behalf of the Governing Council and the entire membership of the Institute of Conflict Management and Negotiation Analysts (ICMNA), to congratulate each one of you on the successful completion of the Two-Day Executive Training Programme for Commissioners of Police organized by the Nigerian Police Force.
The theme of this programme, “Enhancing Strategic Communication, Media Relations, Thought Leadership, Emotional Intelligence, Public Relations and Excellence in the Nigeria Police Force,” reflects the realities of modern policing. Contemporary law enforcement demands far more than operational competence; it requires leaders who communicate effectively, inspire confidence, manage conflict professionally, negotiate with wisdom, and build enduring public trust.
The Institute recognizes that the competencies developed through this executive programme are closely aligned with the core values and professional framework of conflict management and negotiation.
* Strategic communication strengthens understanding and prevents unnecessary conflict.
* Media relations promote transparency, credibility, and public confidence.
* Thought leadership equips leaders to influence positive institutional change.
* Emotional intelligence enables effective decision-making under pressure while fostering empathy and professionalism.
* Public relations enhances collaboration between law enforcement agencies and the communities they serve.
Collectively, these competencies form the foundation of effective conflict prevention, negotiation, mediation, leadership, and sustainable peacebuilding, which are the very principles upon which the Institute of Conflict Management and Negotiation Analysts was established.
It is in recognition of your successful participation in this executive programme, your commitment to professional development, and your dedication to ethical leadership that the Institute has found you worthy of admission into its professional body as Certified Conflict and Negotiation Professionals (CPs).
This induction is therefore not merely the presentation of a certificate or the conferment of a professional title. It is an affirmation that you have accepted a greater responsibility to serve as ambassadors of peace, ethical leadership, constructive dialogue, and professional excellence wherever your duties may take you.
As members of this Institute, you are expected to uphold the highest standards of integrity, professionalism, accountability, confidentiality, and continuous learning. You are also expected to promote peaceful conflict resolution, effective negotiation, and responsible leadership in the discharge of your official responsibilities and in service to our nation.
At this point, the formal admission into the Institute requires your public affirmation of allegiance to its Constitution, Code of Ethics, values, and professional obligations.
Administration of the Oath
May I respectfully request all inductees to kindly rise.
Please raise your right hand and repeat after me as I administer the Oath of Allegiance.
(The President proceeds with the Oath of Allegiance.)
After the Oath
Congratulations.!!!
By the authority vested in me as the President of the Institute of Conflict Management and Negotiation Analysts (ICMNA), and having taken the Oath of Allegiance and pledged to uphold the Constitution, Code of Ethics, and professional standards of the Institute, I hereby admit you into the Institute as Certified Conflict Management and Negotiation Professionals (Ps), with all the rights, privileges, responsibilities, and obligations pertaining thereto.
ICMNA
You are now ambassadors of professionalism, ethical leadership, peaceful conflict management, strategic negotiation, and institutional excellence.
On behalf of the Governing Council and the entire membership of the Institute, I warmly welcome you into the ICMNA family.
May your membership inspire greater service, exemplary leadership, and lasting contributions to the Nigeria Police Force and our nation.
Congratulations, and welcome to the Institute.
Eereporter.com
University of Uyo Seeks Anti-Corruption Alliance With ICPC
In a decisive move to fortify ethical governance within academic circles, the management of the University of Uyo paid a high-level courtesy visit to the Akwa Ibom State Office of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), signaling a renewed institutional resolve to combat corruption from the ground up.
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Leading the delegation, the Vice Chancellor, Professor Christopher N. Ekong, accompanied by key members of his team, formally called on the Resident Anti-Corruption Commissioner (RACC) for Akwa Ibom and Cross River States, Mr. Baba Alaro Shuaib to support the University Anti-Corruption efforts.
During the engagement, Professor Ekong articulated the University’s unwavering commitment to fostering a culture of transparency, probity, and accountability across all levels of the institution.
He underscored the visit as a strategic step to deepen collaborative ties with the Commission, while specifically soliciting technical support for comprehensive sensitisation programmes aimed at both students and staff.
“We are here to build a robust partnership that will insulate our community from the scourge of corrupt practices. The University of Uyo stands ready to be a beacon of integrity, and we believe the ICPC is an indispensable ally in that mission,” Professor Ekong stated.
In his response, Mr. Shuaib lauded the Vice Chancellor’s proactive leadership, describing tertiary institutions as pivotal gatekeepers in the national anti-graft crusade.
He assured the delegation of the Commission’s full backing, emphasising that educational environments are fertile grounds for cultivating long-term ethical reform.
Also in attendance were the Commission’s Second-in-Command, Mr. Ebenezer Olamiku, alongside other senior ICPC officers. The University’s Deputy Vice Chancellor, Professor Iniobong Uko, delivered the vote of thanks, expressing gratitude for the warm reception and the Commission’s evident enthusiasm for the proposed partnership.
UniUyo
The meeting, which comprised twelve participants in total, concluded with both parties agreeing to map out a structured framework for joint anti-corruption initiatives, including workshops, policy reviews, and student outreach programmes.
This developing alliance marks a significant milestone in the University of Uyo’s administrative ethos, reinforcing its dedication to producing not only academically excellent graduates but also morally upright citizens.
Eereporter.com
IGP Disu Holds Strategic Meeting With Benue Stakeholders, Pledges Intensified Security
As part of his efforts to strengthen regional stability, the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Riliwan Disu, psc (+), NPM, paid an official working visit to the Executive Governor of Benue State, His Excellency, Rev. Fr. Dr. Hyacinth Iormem Alia, culminating in a high-level strategic engagement at the State Government Banquet Hall in Makurdi.
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The meeting brought together key security stakeholders, including traditional rulers, religious leaders, youths and women representatives, and members of various Farmers Associations, to address the state’s most pressing security challenges, with a primary focus on resolving the longstanding farmer-herder conflict.
Addressing the assembly, IGP Disu expressed grave concern over the widespread proliferation of sophisticated firearms, identifying it as the underlying driver of recurring violence across local communities. He commended Governor Alia and community leadership for their proactive support, emphasizing that local cooperation remains indispensable to achieving lasting peace. Urging residents, particularly the youths, to report suspicious activities promptly, the IGP promised robust, intelligence-driven policing backed by absolute confidentiality for all informants. He further called for seamless collaboration among conventional security agencies and local security outfits, reiterating that maintaining law and order is a collective responsibility.
In response, Governor Hyacinth Alia expressed deep gratitude to IGP Disu for conducting a direct operational assessment of the state, describing the visit as a clear demonstration of the Nigeria Police Force’s dedication under his leadership. Reaffirming his administration’s commitment to supporting security agencies, Governor Alia stressed that his overarching goal is to guarantee a safe environment where every citizen can live, work, and farm without fear. He further commended the Commissioner of Police, Benue State Command, CP Cletus C. Nwadiogbu, for his decisive efforts to tackle crime and foster stronger police-community relations.
Benue
The Nigeria Police Force remains steadfast in its dedication to safeguarding communities across the nation while upholding the highest standards of professionalism and public trust.
CSP ANIETIE OKOKON EDEM INIEDU
Force Public Relations Officer,
Force Headquarters, Abuja.
24th July, 2026.
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