The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has strongly rebutted comments from INEC Chairman Prof. Joash Amupitan, who cautioned the party against holding its planned congresses and national convention.
In a statement released Friday, the party described INEC’s stance as a misreading of a Court of Appeal directive, accusing the commission of exceeding its constitutional authority.
The ADC argued that INEC’s interpretation of the court’s order to maintain the status quo in ongoing internal disputes was legally flawed. The party said the doctrine of status quo ante bellum is meant to prevent actions that could irreversibly affect a legal dispute, not to suspend the democratic activities of a political party.
“The scope of preservation orders is strictly a matter for the courts, not the electoral commission,” the statement said.
The party also rejected claims that holding congresses or a national convention would interfere with ongoing legal proceedings, insisting that internal party activities conducted in line with the party constitution and the Electoral Act do not prejudice pending cases. The ADC noted that no court has specifically prohibited the events.
The ADC accused INEC of overstepping its supervisory role by attempting to block lawful internal party processes. The party emphasized that while INEC monitors activities after proper notification, a party’s decision to proceed with its internal functions does not require the commission’s approval.
The statement dismissed comparisons to previous electoral disputes, including the Zamfara crisis, noting that those cases involved clear violations of electoral procedures, whereas the ADC’s processes comply fully with legal requirements.
The party affirmed that its right to hold congresses and a national convention is constitutionally protected and confirmed that these activities will proceed in accordance with all relevant laws.
Finally, the ADC urged the electoral commission to maintain neutrality and confine its actions to its statutory and constitutional responsibilities.