A university scholar, Dr. Akinola Awodeyi-Akinsehinwa, has thrown his weight behind the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Joash Amupitan, over the controversial delisting of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) leadership from the commission’s portal.
In a statement, Awodeyi-Akinsehinwa maintained that INEC’s decision was lawful and in strict compliance with a subsisting court order, dismissing claims of bias or arbitrariness.
According to him, Amupitan, a Professor of Law and Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), understands the importance of upholding judicial pronouncements and the constitutional duty of INEC to obey court orders without fear or favour.
“Prof. Amupitan did not act arbitrarily. He merely enforced the directive of the Court of Appeal Nigeria, which ordered the commission to maintain the status quo ante bellum and refrain from recognising the leadership of ADC pending final determination of the matter,” he said.
The scholar explained that the removal of David Mark as national chairman and Rauf Aregbesola as national secretary, alongside other National Working Committee members, was not politically motivated but a direct response to a judicial directive.
He cautioned against politicising routine legal obligations of institutions like INEC, warning that such actions could undermine public trust in the electoral body.
“Aggrieved parties should seek redress in court rather than resort to media trials or calls for the chairman’s removal, which do not strengthen democracy,” he added.
Awodeyi-Akinsehinwa further commended Amupitan for demonstrating adherence to the rule of law amid mounting political pressure ahead of the 2027 general elections.
He also urged political parties to resolve their internal disputes amicably, allowing INEC to concentrate on its primary responsibility of conducting credible, free, and fair elections.