Politics
Again, ADC Demands INEC Chairman’s Resignation over alleged partisan Conduct,Gross Misconduct,Constitutional Breach,Threat to Multi-party Democracy
By George Mgbeleke
African Democratic Party (ADC) has again reiterated it earlier called on the Chairman of INEC, Prof Joash Amupitan to resign or be removed from his position as chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission noting that his recent actions and public statements have further deepened concerns about his fitness to continue in office as INEC chairman.
The party in an open letter to INEC Chairman, Prof Joash Amupitan signed by Former Senate President and ADC chairman Senator David Mark and ADC National Secretary Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola made available to Journalists in Abuja on Wednesday.
The reads :
AFRICAN DEMOCRATIC CONGRESS (ADC)
ADC Global Campus & Transformation Centre
Plot 121, Ademola Adetokunbo Crescent
Wuse II, Abuja, Nigeria
www.adcparty.org.ng | Email: info@adcparty.org.ng
08105507372, 09090690000
April 8, 2026
Professor Joseph Amupitan, SAN
Chairman, Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC),
INEC National Headquarters,
Plot 436, Zambezi Crescent,
Maitama, Abuja.
Dear Sir,
RE: DEMAND FOR YOUR IMMEDIATE RESIGNATION OR REMOVAL FROM OFFICE OVER PARTISAN CONDUCT, GROSS MISCONDUCT, CONSTITUTIONAL BREACH, AND THREAT TO MULTI-PARTY DEMOCRACY
We write to convey our strongest condemnation of your recent actions and public statements, which have further deepened concerns about your fitness to continue in office as Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
Your recent media interview was not only disgraceful and unbecoming of the high office you occupy but it also exposed a troubling willingness to descend into partisan controversy and to assume roles far outside the constitutional mandate of the Commission.
Of grave concern is your attempt to constitute yourself into an interpreter of judicial pronouncements. This is wholly unacceptable. The interpretation of court judgments is the exclusive preserve of the judiciary. For the Chairman of INEC to publicly assume that role, offering partisan constructions of legal outcomes in a manner that appears to favour a particular individual, amounts to a serious constitutional breach and an affront to the doctrine of separation of powers.
Your conduct, taken together with INEC’s earlier correspondence to the African Democratic Congress (ADC), reinforces the perception that the Commission under your leadership has abandoned neutrality and has instead aligned itself with factional interests. This is not only improper; it is dangerous for the credibility of our electoral system.
Furthermore, it is a matter of record that the individual in question attended the National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting of the ADC at which the National Working Committee (NWC) led by Chief Ralph Nwosu, of which he was a member, was duly dissolved. Having participated in that decision, any subsequent reliance on his former authority, position, or signature is fundamentally flawed, contradictory, and devoid of legal credibility.
INEC’s posture in this regard raises serious questions about bias and institutional overreach.
INEC is not a court of law. It is not an advocate. It has no mandate to interpret judgments to suit a preferred narrative. Its duty is clear: to act strictly within the bounds of the Constitution and the law, with absolute neutrality and professionalism.
Beyond these infractions, we unequivocally condemn what can only be described as a dangerous and unacceptable attempt to undermine and destroy Nigeria’s multi-party democratic system. Any action, policy, or conduct that tilts the electoral playing field, elevates an aggrieved party member to factional leader, or interferes with the internal autonomy of political parties strikes at the very heart of democratic pluralism. And all of these you have done.
We state, without equivocation, that the African Democratic Congress (ADC) will resist any such attempt—lawfully, firmly, and resolutely. Nigeria’s democracy was built on the foundation of political plurality, and no individual or institution will be allowed to erode that foundation through partisan conduct and administrative overreach.
We acknowledge that the INEC was, and is still populated by many men and women of conscience and integrity who have laboured over the years in the service of our country and the sanctity of its electoral process. But you have appeared willing to lay their sacrifices to waste by your very conduct, which today has effectively brought the Commission into disrepute and has significantly eroded public confidence.
For avoidance of doubts, we outline below, the basic process that led to the emergence of the David Mark led executive, which copiously established that you are indeed in a position to know the truth but only chose to distort or ignore it.
On March 27, 2025, the Party, ADC, had its National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting at the National Headquarters and Transformation Centre, 4, Oyo St., Area 2, Abuja, where it decided among other matters to waive the provisions of Articles 9.3(1)(2)(3) & 9.4(1). These Articles of the Party’s Constitution had earlier been highlighted in the opening remarks of the Chairman of the Party as impediments to the vision of the Party to build an all-inclusive Party that will align other stakeholders in a broad patriotic coalition. To this end, the National Legal Adviser of the Party, Peter Oyewole Esq., moved that Article 9.4(4) be invoked accordingly. This motion was adopted at the meeting. This meeting had INEC officials, NWC and NEC members in attendance. In addition, the report of the meeting was forwarded to INEC by the Party in a letter to the Chairman of INEC dated April 3, 2025 and was acknowledged as received in the office of the Chairman of INEC.
On April 4, 2025, another National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting was held at the Chelsea Hotel, CBD, Abuja. This meeting decided among other matters to:
a. Suspend Article 23(4) of the Party’s constitution which could prevent the assumption of vacant offices by merit.
b. Mandate and empower the National Chairman; Chief Ralph Okey Nwosu and the National Working Committee (NWC) to take all necessary actions, make requisite decisions and engage relevant stakeholders to ensure the successful formation, coordination and execution of the coalition in line with the vision and objectives of the Party.
c. The resolutions were unanimously passed and adopted by the meeting.
This meeting had INEC officials, NWC and NEC members in attendance. The report of the meeting was communicated to the Chairman of INEC in a letter dated May 21, 2025. It was acknowledged as received in the office of the Chairman of INEC on May 30, 2025.
On July 2, 2025, the National Working Committee (NWC), following the order of the NEC of May 15, 2025 already cited above, at its meeting made the following resolutions:
a. Constitution of a Caretaker Committee to manage the affairs of the Party in light of the coalition process and internal restructuring.
b. Composition and appointment of people to the Caretaker Committee/Interim NWC with Senator David Mark as caretaker National Chairman, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola as caretaker National Secretary, Abdullahi as caretaker National Publicity Secretary, as well other members.
c. The Caretaker Committee is to manage the affairs of the Party for a minimum period of twelve months.
On July 29, 2025, the National Executive Committee (NEC) of the Party met at Chelsea Hotel, CBD, Abuja and made the following decisions among others:
a. Ratification of NWC resolutions and constitution of a Caretaker Committee to manage the affairs of the Party in light of the coalition process and internal restructuring.
b. Approval of the composition and appointment of people to the Caretaker Committee which includes all the officers listed above.
c. The National Chairman; Chief Ralph Okey Nwosu and National Secretary Alhaji Saidu Baba Abdullahi were mandated to immediately notify INEC of the changes in the Party’s leadership.
d. Following the adoption of motions and ratification of the Caretaker Committee members by the NEC of the Party unanimously, members were sworn into their various offices and necessary oaths of office were administered. This was done in the presence of INEC officials and NEC members without a single objection. NEC members, all the newly appointed Caretaker Committee members affirmed their loyalty and commitment to the African Democratic Congress and its Constitution. There was not a single objection or dissenting voice.
e. The report of this NEC meeting was submitted to INEC as directed by the NEC by Chief Ralph Okey Nwosu and Alhaji Saidu Baba Abdullahi.
f. It was on the basis of this open, transparent process that INEC accepted the new leadership and uploaded the principal officers in its electronic portal.
From the foregoing, therefore, no member of the former NWC of the Party therefore has any right or claim to any office thereafter.
You must also be aware that INEC’s own affidavit, deposed at the Federal High Court on September 12, unequivocally confirms all of the foregoing. We must also bring to your notice that we are aware of efforts being made by INEC under your directive as well as the pressure being mounted on conscientious INEC officials to recant their testimonies which contradicts the agenda that you have decided to pursue. This is indeed unconscionable.
In light of all the foregoing, we hereby demand:
Your immediate resignation from office in the interest of preserving the integrity of INEC; OR
Your immediate removal by the appropriate constitutional authorities for gross misconduct, abuse of office, and violation of constitutional boundaries.
We also reiterate our demand for:
The immediate withdrawal of INEC’s offensive correspondence to the ADC;
A formal apology to the party; and
A clear commitment to refrain from further interference in the internal affairs of political parties.
Take note that failure to comply will leave us with no option but to activate all lawful and constitutional mechanisms to ensure accountability, including judicial proceedings and coordinated civic action.
The integrity of Nigeria’s democracy cannot and will not be sacrificed on the altar of institutional compromise.
Yours faithfully,
Senator David Mark
National Chairman,
African Democratic Congress (ADC)
Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola
National Secretary,
African Democratic Congress (ADC)
Politics
There Is No Fake Signature in Ikenga’s Nomination, All Lawmakers Signed Voluntarily *attached is CCTV video evidence of Philip Agbese
By Our Correspondent
The G-60 Minority Caucus of the House of Representatives wishes to categorically state that there was no forgery or fake signature in the nomination of Hon. Ikenga Ugochinyere of the Action People’s Party (APP) for the position of Minority Leader.
A release signed by Hon.Mukhtar. Umar and Hon Seyi Sowunmi said that contrary to claims made by the Deputy Spokesperson of the House, Hon. Philip Agbese at the plenary today, all signatures appended to the nomination document were voluntarily provided by the lawmakers concerned. Out of the 81 members that constitute the Minority Caucus, 61 lawmakers willingly signed in support of Hon. Ikenga Ugochinyere’s nomination to fill the vacancy created by the exit of Hon. Kingsley Chinda following his defection to the All Progressives Congress (APC) and his subsequent emergence as the party’s governorship candidate in Rivers State.
We note with concern the allegation by Hon. Philip Agbese that his signature was forged on the endorsement list. This claim is false and misleading. To establish the facts and dispel any misinformation, video evidence exists showing Hon. Agbese personally signing the nomination document and it will be sent out with this statement in the interest of transparency and accountability.
We remain committed to due process, unity, and the collective interest of opposition lawmakers in the House of Representatives. Attempts to discredit a transparent and democratic process through unfounded allegations should be discouraged. We urge members of the public and the media to disregard claims of forgery and rely on verifiable facts regarding the nomination process.
By Our Correspondent
The House of Representatives of the 10th National Assembly experienced a commotion that almost snowballed into a turmoil for close to half an hour over allegation of forgery of signature of members who endorsed the candidate for the office of Minority Leader of the House Hon.Ikenga Imo Ugochinyere.
However the Speaker Rt.Hon.Tajudeen Abbas who presided over the sitting of the House on Thursday immediately quenched the fire when he told the entire lawmakers that the House leadership would investigate the matter and take appropriate actions in line with the provisions of the House Rules.
Hon Ikenga Ugochinyere
The whole fracas began mid-way into the legislative session after the approval of the votes and proceedings of the previous days session by the presiding officer.
A member of the House Hon.Philip Agbese (Benue,LP) had raised a point of order bothering on abuse of his priveldges as a member of the House.
The lawmaker, a first term lawmaker said his signature was suppreptitsciosly included in a document that endorsed Hon.Ikenga Imo Ugochinyere as Minority Leader alongside 60 other members of the House which he did not sign.
He further stated that he read some bloggers and some online stories published by some media outfits that alleged that all the lawmaker that signed the documents collected $50,000.00 saying that he did not collect the money as alleged.
He called on the House leadership to investigate the matter, clear his name and ensure that disciplinary actions is taken against those who decided to dent his image as a lawmaker and cause him disaffection with his constituents for no just cause.
However, the Speaker in his intervention said that the matter will be investigated by the House and assured that appropriate actions would be taken if the matter of forgery is established by the probe.
Another member of the green chamber Hon.Billy Osawaru (Edo,APC) in his submission however urged the House to immediately refer the matter to the House Committee on Ethics and Privileges for a thorough investigation.
At this juncture, the man in the centre of the controversy Hon Ikenga Imo Ugochinyere (Imo,AAP) stood up and raised a counter point of order.
He said that the allegation of forgery of his signature raised by Hon.Philip Agbsese is baseless and unfounded as the lawmaker walked into the meeting in his office where the other 60 lawmakers that endorsed his candidacy for the position of Minority Leader signed their signatures.
He said that the issue of selection of Minority Leader in the green chamber is purely the prerogative of the minority parties which were all represented at the meeting.
Nothwitstanding, Hon.Agbese stood up again to counter the position of the man who is being accused of forgery of his signature insisting that he never signed any documents on the endorsement of his candidacy.
This led to a serious commotion in the green chamber as other lawmakers spoke for and against the matter resulting into the hurried adjournment of the legislative session to Tuesday May 9, 2026 by the presiding officer.
End
[04/06, 15:34] Jonas-Champion: Minority Leadership: Reps In Commotion Over Allegation of Signature Forgery.
Jonas Ezieke, Abuja.
The House of Representatives of the 10th National Assembly experienced a commotion that almost snowballed into a turmoil for close to half an hour over allegation of forgery of signature of members who endorsed the candidate for the office of Minority Leader of the House Hon.Ikenga Imo Ugochinyere.
However the Speaker Rt.Hon.Tajudeen Abbas who presided over the sitting of the House on Thursday immediately quenched the fire when he told the entire lawmakers that the House leadership would investigate the matter and take appropriate actions in line with the provisions of the House Rules.
The whole fracas began mid-way into the legislative session after the approval of the votes and proceedings of the previous days session by the presiding officer.
A member of the House Hon.Philip Agbese (Benue,LP) had raised a point of order bothering on abuse of his priveldges as a member of the House.
The lawmaker, a first term lawmaker said his signature was suppreptitsciosly included in a document that endorsed Hon.Ikenga Imo Ugochinyere as Minority Leader alongside 60 other members of the House which he did not sign.
He further stated that he read some bloggers and some online stories published by some media outfits that alleged that all the lawmaker that signed the documents collected $50,000.00 saying that he did not collect the money as alleged.
He called on the House leadership to investigate the matter, clear his name and ensure that disciplinary actions is taken against those who decided to dent his image as a lawmaker and cause him disaffection with his constituents for no just cause.
However, the Speaker in his intervention said that the matter will be investigated by the House and assured that appropriate actions would be taken if the matter of forgery is established by the probe.
Another member of the green chamber Hon.Billy Osawaru (Edo,APC) in his submission however urged the House to immediately refer the matter to the House Committee on Ethics and Privileges for a thorough investigation.
At this juncture, the man in the centre of the controversy Hon Ikenga Imo Ugochinyere (Imo,AAP) stood up and raised a counter point of order.
He said that the allegation of forgery of his signature raised by Hon.Philip Agbsese is baseless and unfounded as the lawmaker walked into the meeting in his office where the other 60 lawmakers that endorsed his candidacy for the position of Minority Leader signed their signatures.
He said that the issue of selection of Minority Leader in the green chamber is purely the prerogative of the minority parties which were all represented at the meeting.
Nothwitstanding, Hon.Agbese stood up again to counter the position of the man who is being accused of forgery of his signature insisting that he never signed any documents on the endorsement of his candidacy.
This led to a serious commotion in the green chamber as other lawmakers spoke for and against the matter resulting into the hurried adjournment of the legislative session to Tuesday June 9, 2026 by the presiding officer.
Politics
Niger state ADC Governorship candidate decries increasing debt burden of over ₦1.5 trillion local,foreign debt by Gov.Bago
By Uthman-Baba Naseer, Minna
Niger State Governorship candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) ,Dr. Mohammed Kpautagi, has decried the increasing debt burden of over ₦1.5 trillion local and foreign debt by governor Umar Bago from 2023 to date
Kpautagi who was reacting to another recent approval of $14.4 million, over ₦ 20 Billion granted by the Niger State House of Assembly for the state as a food security financing facility.
He said though investing in the Agricultural sector is very important for the people of the state to strengthen the food security,notwithstanding people of the state deserve explanation on the economic position of the state.
Dr. Kpautagi stated that the people of Niger State deserves clear and comprehensive explanations regarding the necessity of additional borrowing while the state is receiving substantial monthly federal allocations, in addition to increased internally generated revenue,along with that of local government councils in the state.
According to him, responsible government need to inculcate transparency, accountability, and be prudent with the available resources before requesting for additional debt on the state and future generations.
Dr. Kpautagi further noted that security remains one of the most pressing challenges facing Niger State, also decried the Banditry attacks of various communities, the constant kidnappings, and other forms of criminal activities across the state is alarming forcing the people to abandon their ancestral homes.
The Governorship Candidate stressed that agriculture is a critical sector for economic growth, and sustainable food sufficiency can be realised in an environment where farmers are safe and able to access their farmlands without fear.
” My first priority as the governor of Niger State is to collaborate with security agencies within and outside through the support of the federal government to finally put a stop to insecurity threatening farming activities across the state’.
The ADC governorship candidate pointed out that communities in the state are still facing inadequate health facilities,adding that provision of infrastructures on health and Education will be prioritised to improve health care services and give education a new direction.
He expressed optimism that rural development shall be one of his major target to reinvigorate economic growth and to discourage rural urban migration thereby boosting economic opportunities.
According to him, it is mandatory for a leader to explain how state resources are expended, emphasizing that citizens have legitimate right to demand explanations on how public resources have been utilised, public have the right to know how much a contract is awarded to earn public trust.
Dr. Kpautagi emphasized that borrowing is not inherently wrong,but should be guided by a sound economic strategy, transparency, accountability, instead of putting the state in a bankruptcy circumstance.
Also reacting on the widespread condemnations by the public on the fresh loan by the government,the speaker of the state house of assembly,Barr Abdulmalik Sarkin Daji, said it is false and misleading.
” The government only stands as a guarantor for Niger food security systems and logistics, through the United Bank for Africa,UBA to access financing under the Saudi Exim line credit for the support of its operations.”
To Buttress his statement,” the Speaker further explained that, the state government has the constitutional power to seek loans through the state assembly provided such facilities are required for the development of the state”
There Is No Fake Signature in Ikenga’s Nomination, All Lawmakers Signed Voluntarily *attached is CCTV video evidence of Philip Agbese
By Our Correspondent The G-60 Minority Caucus of the House of Representatives wishes to categorically state that there was no...
WAEC’s Night Examinations Violate Students’ Rights, Endanger Lives — HURIWA
By George Mgbeleke The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) expresses profound concern and outrage over reports that candidates...
Cooking Gas Price Surge: HURIWA Condemns Economic Cruelty, Says Uncontrolled Profiteering Violates Citizens’ Right to Life
By George Mgbeleke The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) expresses deep outrage and grave concern over the alarming...
Eight suspected fake pastors arraigned in. Court in Anambra
By Our Correspondent In a bid to rid the state of criminal activities, eight suspected fake pastors arrested from Onitsha,...
About seven SANs expected to grace 2026 NBA Law Week in Niger state
By Uthman-Baba Naseer,Minna Not fewer than seven Senior Advocate Of Nigeria (SANs) are expected to participate at the Minna Branch...
A’Ibom Extractive Justice Alliance demands Gas Flaring Accountability,-says failure of compliance will attract stiff protest
By Emmanuel Ikpe, Uyo Coalition of civil society organizations, youth groups, community advocates, academic scholars and media in Akwa...
A’Ibom Extractive Justice Alliance demands Gas flaring accountability, community justice, reversal of executive order 9 - says failure of compliance will attract stiff protest By Emmanuel Ikpe, Uyo Coalition of civil society organizations, youth groups, community advocates, academic scholars and media in Akwa Ibom have petitioned the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission to address cases where corporate organizations are profiting from Gas flaring and pollution while host communities bear the cost. Addressing journalists just after a peaceful demonstration and presentation of the petition letter to representative of Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission in Eket, Eket LGA on Friday by Network Advancement Program for Poverty and Disaster Risk Reward,Helen Bassey Eyo, the coalition which was convened by Clement Isong Foundation with support from Actionaid Nigeria under the Strategic Partnership Agreement (SPA) II, says the exercise was part of activities to commemorate the 2026 World Environmental Day with a call to end gas flaring, defend rights and build future. According to them, Gas flaring penalties exceeding $10.4 million dollars became payable on OML 13 alone between 2021 and 2023. They therefore called for accountability of $270 million dollars in outstanding penalties owed to host communities from 2021 to 2025. “nationally, oil companies paid $646 million dollars in Gas flare penalties in 2025, the highest in five years, yet Nigeria flared 301.3 million scf of Gas in 2024, up from 278.3 million in 2023, and did not meet its 2025 zero-flare target”. The Akwa Ibom Extractive Justice Alliance noted that in communities like Ikot Town, Elekpon and Atabrikang in Eastern Obolo LGA of the State Gas has been burning continuously since NEPL/NOL began production on OML 13 in May 2024. Eight villages in Eastern Obolo have no electricity yet OML 13 holds over five trillion cubic feet of Gas. The energy being burned over these communities could instead be used to power them. Speaking to newsmen, the Director, Clement Isong Foundation, convener of Akwa Ibom Extractive Justice Alliance on behalf of the 15 CSOs including academia, media, women and youths groups noted that in Ibeno LGA of the State, Network Exploration and Production Limited continues to flare gas at Mkpanak with documented impact on air, water and soil across Ibeno, Onna, Eket and Esit Eket. “rain water in Ibeno is no longer consumable, Itakabasi community has been lost to coastal erosion accelerated by environmental degradation. Seplat Energy which acquired Mobil Production Nigeria Unlimited from ExxonMobil in December 2024, now operates OMLs 67, 68, 68 and 104 in Akwa Ibom, inheriting an operational history that includes over fifty years of environmental liabilities that coastal communities are still waiting to see them addressed”, they added. Accordingly, the alliance have asked President Tinubu to reverse the presidential executive order 9 of February 13, 2026 which suspended all Gas flare penalties remittance into the Midstream and Downstream Gas Infrastructure Fund and and redirected them to the Federation Account. “the Order 9 has remove a financing mechanism established under the PIA 2021 specifically to support environmental remediation and community development in host communities. AKEJA is calling for this to be reversed and for the original framework to be restored”. Meanwhile, the Civil Society Organizations have stated that if their demands are not met as at when due, they will pull out all their members to protest to the office the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission with stiff penalties to ensure their plights are giving desire attention.
By Emmanuel Ikpe, Uyo Coalition of civil society organizations, youth groups, community advocates, academic scholars and media in Akwa...
2026 Hajj: IHR reports gaps in feeding, welfare, Hadaya services at Mina, Arafat *Calls for refunds, tighter oversight on animal sacrifice
By Abdul-Ganiyy Akanbi The Independent Hajj Reporters, IHR, Media Monitoring Team has reported significant gaps between pilgrims’ expectations and services...
BMU Inferno: Vice Chancellor Orders Full Investigation To Ascertain Cause
By David Owei The Vice Chancellor of Bayelsa Medical University, Professor Dimie Ogoina, has ordered a full investigation to ascertain...
Troops Of Operation Hardin Kài Sustain Operational Operational Momentum, Record Significant Successes , Disruption Terror Networks In North East
By Our Correspondent The Headquarters, Joint Task Force (North East), Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK), in conjunction with Operation DESERT SANITY...
-
Politics1 year agoGov Okpebholo moves to end Cultism *Threatens action against leading cult groups *Vows to demolish more cult houses in Edo State
-
Politics9 months agoASUU-NDU protest against FG loans, unpaid salaries,Non-Implementation of agreements …..says loans is generational slavery
-
Business & Economy10 months agoPC-NCG Issues Disclaimer on Purported Nigerian Coast Guard National Orientation Exercise In Anambra State
-
Entertainment2 years agoJubilation galore as Parishioners of CKC Kurudu celebrate their cultural heritage ….FG should exploit our Cultural heritage to unite Nigerians-Rev Fr Dim
-
Sports4 months agoBayelsa-born ex-football star’s son, Opuama donates spike shoes to Athletics Association
-
General News2 years agoReps hold public hearing on FMC Ugwuaji Awkunanaw
-
Law & Crime11 months agoLegal practitioner raises alarm over threat to his life by CSP Muhammed Abdulkareem
-
General News2 years agoCelebration galore as UDA Successfully Elected New Exco ……I will digitalize processes that will raise UDA to greater height -Comr. Okejiri