A chieftain of the African Democratic Congress, Joemartins Uzodike, has called on the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission, Prof. Joash Amupitan, to step down, alleging that his actions have undermined public confidence in the electoral body.
Uzodike, a legal practitioner, made the call while reacting to the commission’s decision to withdraw recognition of the Senator David Mark-led leadership of the ADC.
He described the commission’s position on the matter as biased and inconsistent with legal principles, particularly faulting its interpretation of a subsisting court order.
According to him, the development raises concerns about the neutrality of the electoral umpire, noting that the reliance on an order presented by an individual reflected what he termed a misapplication of the doctrine of status quo ante bellum.
Uzodike further alleged that the commission’s action had created confusion within the opposition party and brought embarrassment to the legal system.
He also dismissed the recognition of a factional leadership, arguing that the individual in question did not head a known executive structure within the party.
The ADC stalwart maintained that the court directive was clear in preserving the existing leadership pending the resolution of the case, accusing the commission of acting contrary to that position.
He added that the conduct of the INEC chairman had called into question his ability to discharge his responsibilities impartially, insisting that resignation was necessary to protect the integrity of the electoral process.
Uzodike also urged the commission to prioritise strengthening democratic institutions, expressing concerns that recent developments suggested undue external influence on its decisions.
