The National Secretary of the New Nigerian Peoples Party (NNPP), Sunday Ogini, has publicly accused the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Professor Joash Amupitan, of incompetence in handling electoral matters, particularly in obeying court rulings. Ogini made the statement during an interview on News Central Television on Wednesday, expressing deep concern over what he described as Amupitan’s failure to uphold judicial decisions. He emphasized that the chairman’s legal interpretations reflect a lack of competence, especially in managing court judgments that directly affect political parties and electoral processes.
Ogini highlighted a specific case involving internal leadership disputes within the NNPP, where the party’s executive led by Bito Abu was affirmed by a valid court judgment. The judgment was initially delivered by a court in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) and later confirmed by the Appeal Court in Owerri. According to Ogini, these rulings clearly established the legitimacy of the Abu-led leadership, including his own role as National Secretary. He questioned why INEC, as the neutral electoral body, would not comply with such legally binding decisions.
“Do you need to go to Harvard University to know that you, as the unbiased umpire, must obey court order and valid judgment?” Ogini asked rhetorically, stressing the basic duty of INEC to respect judicial authority. He claimed to have had direct discussions with Amupitan on the matter, further underscoring his belief that the INEC chairman lacks the necessary legal and administrative competence to lead the commission effectively. Ogini warned that if such incompetence is not addressed, it could undermine Nigeria’s democratic process.
He reiterated his stance that Amupitan’s actions—or inactions—could have serious consequences for Nigeria’s democracy. “The incompetence of Amupitan will cost us this democracy if we keep quiet,” Ogini stated firmly, urging Nigerians to recognize the gravity of the situation. His remarks come at a time when political parties are increasingly relying on judicial processes to resolve internal conflicts, making INEC’s adherence to court orders more critical than ever.
As Nigeria prepares for future elections and continues to navigate complex political dynamics, the role of INEC in upholding the rule of law remains under scrutiny. Ogini’s accusations have sparked renewed debate about the commission’s leadership and its ability to remain impartial and legally compliant. The outcome of this controversy may influence public confidence in Nigeria’s electoral institutions moving forward.
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