Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Chief Wole Olanipekun Amupitan, has issued a strong advisory to the African Democratic Congress (ADC) over the potential legal and institutional consequences of conducting a party convention without the supervision of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
Amupitan underscored that adherence to established electoral guidelines is not merely procedural but foundational to the legitimacy of any political process. He noted that bypassing INEC oversight could expose the party to avoidable disputes, regulatory sanctions, and possible invalidation of decisions taken during such a convention.
From a governance and compliance standpoint, he emphasized that political parties operate within a structured legal framework that mandates transparency and accountability, particularly during critical activities like conventions where leadership and strategic directions are determined.
He further warned that any deviation from statutory requirements could undermine stakeholder confidence and create vulnerabilities that may be exploited in post-convention litigations.
Amupitan therefore urged the ADC leadership to align its processes with constitutional provisions and regulatory expectations, stressing that proactive compliance is far more cost-effective than managing the fallout of legal challenges.
Ultimately, he framed INEC’s supervisory role as a safeguard designed to ensure credibility, fairness, and institutional integrity within Nigeria’s democratic ecosystem.
