A chieftain of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Joemartins Uzodike, has claimed that the chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Joash Amupitan, has failed the law and shown he is not capable of presiding over the country’s electoral affairs without bias.
Bellnews reports that Uzodike made this known while reacting to INEC’s withdrawal of recognition of the Senator David Mark-led leadership of the ADC.
In an interview with Vanguard, Uzodike described Amupitan’s pronouncements on the matter as disgraceful and mischievous, alleging that he has already failed Nigerians, even before any election is held.
Citing Amupitan’s interpretation of the meaning and application of status quo ante bellum, Uzodike emphasised that the INEC chairman had brought serious embarrassment to the legal system, accusing him of using a court order to create a leadership vacuum in an opposition political party.
The ADC chieftain further suggested that from Amupitan’s demeanour during the TV interview, it is clear that he is not acting independently.
He said, “I have been around in this country since independence and have actively participated in many elections. I make bold to say that an electoral umpire has never descended so brazenly and carelessly into the arena as we are witnessing now.
“The chairman is a Professor of Law and a Senior Advocate of Nigeria. How can he not interpret the meaning of status quo ante bellum, which means to return to the position before the matter went to court?
“At what point was the ADC before Nafiu Bala went to court, and who was the chairman at that time?
“The court simply said whoever was in office should remain pending the determination of the matter, but Amupitan’s INEC is saying the ADC does not exist.
“The INEC chairman has failed the law; he has shown he is not capable of presiding over our electoral affairs without bias. He should therefore resign.
“From his demeanour during the TV interview, it is clear that the INEC chairman is not acting independently. For someone who has risen to the position of Deputy Vice-Chancellor, a professor and SAN, he should be a man of honour.”