Amupitan warns ADC against proceeding with any national convention without the supervision of the Independent National Electoral Commission, cautioning that such action could carry serious legal and electoral consequences for the party.
The warning comes amid an ongoing leadership dispute within the African Democratic Congress, which has triggered legal proceedings and conflicting claims over party structures.
Recent developments involving court rulings and INEC’s administrative actions have placed the party under regulatory scrutiny.
The situation has raised questions about the legitimacy of any internal processes conducted without the involvement of the electoral body.
Against this backdrop, Amupitan warns ADC as tensions rise over the party’s next steps, particularly regarding its planned convention and leadership decisions.
Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Muiz Banire Amupitan, cautioned that holding a convention without INEC supervision could render the outcomes invalid under Nigeria’s electoral laws.
Explaining the legal implications, Amupitan warns ADC that political parties are required to notify INEC and ensure its presence during conventions, congresses, and other key activities that determine party leadership.
He stated that any deviation from this process could expose the party to litigation and undermine the legitimacy of decisions taken at such a gathering.
Amupitan emphasised that compliance with the Electoral Act is mandatory, and failure to adhere to its provisions could result in regulatory sanctions or the nullification of outcomes.
Legal Framework and Electoral Requirements
The position that Amupitan warns ADC aligns with provisions of the Electoral Act, which mandates INEC’s monitoring of party conventions and congresses.
INEC’s role includes ensuring that such activities are conducted in accordance with the law and that due process is followed in the selection of party officials.
Legal experts have noted that conventions held without proper notification or supervision may not be recognised by the commission, potentially affecting the party’s ability to present candidates in future elections.
The development that Amupitan warns ADC highlights the risks associated with internal party disputes and procedural lapses.
If the party proceeds with a convention without INEC oversight, it could face challenges regarding the recognition of its leadership and decisions.
This may have broader implications for its participation in electoral processes and its standing within the political system.
The warning also underscores the importance of compliance with legal and regulatory frameworks in maintaining party legitimacy.
The caution issued as Amupitan warns ADC reflects ongoing concerns about internal governance within political parties.
Across Nigeria, party disputes have increasingly resulted in litigation, regulatory interventions, and contested leadership structures.
The ADC situation forms part of a wider pattern where adherence to legal procedures has become critical in determining the outcome of political processes.
