The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has declared it will engage in sustained civil disobedience until Professor Joash Amupitan steps down as Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). The threat was made in a statement released on Saturday and titled "Why Amupitan must resign now". The document was shared by the party's National Publicity Secretary, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi. No specific incidents or allegations against Amupitan were detailed in the initial statement. The ADC did not outline the forms the civil disobedience might take or provide a timeline for escalation. The party's position calls for Amupitan's resignation without citing new evidence or recent controversies directly tied to his conduct. INEC has not issued a response to the demand. The commission remains responsible for overseeing electoral processes across Nigeria ahead of future elections. The ADC's move marks a significant escalation in opposition rhetoric toward the electoral body.
The ADC's call for civil disobedience over Prof. Joash Amupitan's position as INEC chairman stands out not because of any documented misconduct by Amupitan, but because it reveals the depth of political frustration within a minor opposition party lacking electoral traction. With no specific allegations or recent failures tied to Amupitan in the statement, the demand appears more symbolic than substantive, suggesting the ADC is leveraging public discontent with the electoral system to amplify its own relevance.
This move fits within a broader pattern where political actors target INEC's leadership during periods of perceived electoral disadvantage, especially ahead of major elections. By focusing on Amupitan personally rather than systemic issues like funding, independence, or operational transparency, the ADC sidesteps deeper reform debates. The lack of detail on what form civil disobedience will take further undermines the credibility of the threat, making it appear more performative than strategic.
Ordinary Nigerians, particularly voters in marginal constituencies, stand to lose if political parties erode trust in INEC without offering constructive alternatives. When electoral institutions are challenged without evidence, it fuels cynicism and weakens democratic participation. This is especially risky in communities already skeptical of electoral fairness.
The trend of opposition parties demanding the resignation of INEC officials during political downturns has recurred across administrations, indicating a recurring failure to engage with electoral reform institutionally.
