Umeh Accuses INEC of Sabotage Against ADC Leadership

Victor Umeh, the senator representing Anambra Central, accused the chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Professor Joash Amupitan, of deliberately sabotaging the African Democratic Congress (ADC). Speaking to journalists in Awka, Umeh expressed surprise that the INEC chairman, a senior lawyer and professor of law, claimed ignorance of internal party matters, which he argued cannot be adjudicated in court.

Umeh emphasized that the leadership crisis within the ADC is straightforward and that the courts have historically ruled that they do not have jurisdiction over internal party leadership disputes. He referenced a Supreme Court judgment from 1983, reiterating that no Nigerian court can entertain matters concerning the internal affairs of political parties.

Umeh criticized INEC for acting improperly in this context, stating that the Federal High Court and the Supreme Court have no jurisdiction to determine such leadership disputes. He highlighted that the Electoral Act amendments, effective from April 4, 2025, further clarify this jurisdictional limitation.