The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) says it attention has been drawn to recent public statements by political actors alleging partisan bias, and calling for the removal of the Chairman of the Commission on account of the decision of the Commission to obey the recent Court of Appeal Judgment.
It noted that, While the Commission recognises the right of stakeholders to express their views, it is imperative to clarify that Electoral Umpire is a creation of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
The Commission however reiterated, that any call for removal outside the established constitutional process is not only a distraction but a direct assault on the independence of the nation’s electoral umpire.
According to it, While a political party or a group is allowed to protect their interest, the Commission decided to comply with the Judgment of the Court of Appeal to avert a situation that occurred in Zamfara State and Plateau State where elected officials were removed by the Election Tribunal on account of the disobedience of Court Judgment.
INEC further stressed, that it did not want to disobey the preservative order of the court by not taking any step that would render the processes already filed at the Federal High Court nugatory.
It also added, that proceeding to monitor the congress and convention of the David Mark-led ADC, would amount to a disobedience of that order since the relief claimed in the Originating Summons and other court processes filed include an order restraining INEC from monitoring any meeting, congress and convention of the party.
In a press statement signed by the Chief Press Secretary to the INEC Chairman Adedayo Oketola, the Commission remains committed to delivering elections that are free, fair, credible and inclusive, noting that the call for the resignation of Professor Joash Amupitan is totally out of place.
