The Chief Executive Officer of the Centre for the Promotion of Private Enterprise, Muda Yusuf, has accused the Independent National Electoral Commission of breaching the law and failing in its statutory responsibilities following its absence at the African Democratic Congress convention.
Speaking in an interview on ARISE News on Sunday, Yusuf said the electoral body deliberately failed to carry out its legal duty after being duly notified of the convention.
“INEC, unfortunately, is presenting itself as a body of outlaws, a body that does not recognise the laws of Federal Republic of Nigeria.”
He argued that the responsibility of political parties under the Electoral Act is limited to notifying INEC ahead of conventions, a requirement he said the party fulfilled.
“The electoral act requires political parties to give INEC at least 21 days notice before any convention meeting, any congresses. That is the duty imposed by law on every political party. And African Democratic Congress, my party, fulfils that statutory duty or requirement.”
Yusuf maintained that once such notice is given, the obligation shifts to INEC to monitor the process, insisting the commission failed in that regard.
“The section you refer to says that having received such a notice, INEC shall, INEC must go and monitor the congresses, the meetings, the convention.”
“So, it is INEC that is now in default of the law.”
He further criticised the commission for what he described as a complete abandonment of its legal responsibilities.
“But yesterday(Saturday), unfortunately, they defaulted, they neglected, they abdicated their responsibility to carry out statutory duty.”
Addressing concerns over a court case reportedly challenging the legitimacy of the convention, Yusuf dismissed claims that any judicial order halted the process.
“There was no such order at all.”
He explained that the dispute stems from internal disagreements within the party, particularly involving state chairmen concerned about being replaced.
“What they are really saying is that the congresses that have been held is designed to replace them, for instance, to shortchange them and replace them by new people.”
According to him, no existing officials were removed, and due process was being followed.
“Those chairmen whose tenures would expire on the 20th remain in office as far as ADC is concerned. Nobody has removed them or is removing them.”
He added that newly elected officials would only assume office after the expiration of current tenures.
“Congresses have been conducted, have been elected, but they will not be inaugurated or take office until the tenure of the existing people has expired.”
On the legal uncertainty surrounding the party’s leadership, Yusuf insisted that such matters fall outside the jurisdiction of the courts.
“Courts lack jurisdiction to enquire into the internal affairs of political party.”
“The Supreme Court has established that these matters are not justiciable.”
He also accused INEC of creating confusion around the issue, suggesting external influence.
“We believe that the uncertainty, which has prompted your question, has been deliberately created by INEC, possibly doing the bidding of the ruling APC party and government.”
Yusuf further questioned the credibility of the commission ahead of the 2027 general elections, warning that its actions could erode public trust.
“So you see that INEC has put its credibility in question.”
“If INEC can crumble, if they can succumb to pressure, even on matters as basic as this, what will happen when they are under pressure to announce a losing of an election?”
He concluded by calling for the resignation of the INEC chairman, arguing that national interest should take precedence.
“I want to seriously also add my voice in advising the chairman of INEC, in the interest of Nigeria, to bow out quietly.”
“The fate of 250 or so million Nigerians is more than his personal interest in remaining on that seat.”
Yusuf warned that failure to restore confidence in the electoral body could jeopardise the legitimacy of future elections.
“What will it profit him… if Nigerians do not accept the results of the election because the whole process has been compromised or seen to lack integrity and credibility.”
Faridah Abdulkadiri
