The Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice in Ondo State, Dr Kayode Ajulo (SAN), has thrown his weight behind the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission, Prof. Joash Ojo Amupitan (SAN), over the ongoing leadership dispute within the African Democratic Congress.
Ajulo described calls for the removal of the INEC chairman by a faction of the party as irresponsible and contrary to democratic principles.
He warned that persistent attacks on the electoral umpire could weaken Nigeria’s constitutional order and undermine democratic stability.
The dispute follows INEC’s decision to recognise only party leadership supported by valid and subsisting court rulings, a position Ajulo insisted is legally binding.
He referenced the March 12, 2026 judgment of the Court of Appeal in Abuja, which dismissed an appeal filed by a faction led by David Mark and directed all parties to maintain the status quo.
Ajulo noted that both the 1999 Constitution and the Electoral Act 2022 mandate INEC to comply strictly with judicial pronouncements.
“The courts have spoken, and their decisions remain binding until set aside through due process. They are not mere opinions to be ignored when inconvenient,” he stated.
He accused the dissenting faction of attempting to bypass laid-down procedures while criticising institutions enforcing compliance with the law.
Ajulo urged the INEC chairman to remain firm, stressing that respect for the rule of law remains essential to safeguarding Nigeria’s democracy.
