ADC delisting: INEC taking Nigeria to a state of self-help – Atsar

A Chieftain of the African Democratic Congress, ADC and 2027 Kwande/Ushongo Federal Constituency hopeful, Terver Shirsha Atsar have faults the Independent National Electoral Commission INEC over its recent action in the ADC leadership dispute, raising serious concerns about the perception of neutrality and institutional judgment.

Atsar, a chemical and environmental expert insist, that the Court of Appeal’s directive to maintain the status quo ante bellum ought to have been applied with clarity, fidelity, and strict legal caution.

In an exclusive chat with BusinessDay in Abuja Atsar said “at the time the matter was already before the court, Senator David Mark and his team had, to public knowledge and with prior recognition by INEC, assumed leadership responsibilities within the party. It is therefore difficult to reconcile the Commission’s present position with the factual circumstances that existed at the material time.

According to him, to suggest uncertainty as to the meaning of the status quo, in these circumstances, appears difficult to sustain. At no point was the party without a leadership structure.

“By withdrawing recognition from all existing leadership organs, INEC appears to have created an artificial status in which the party is left institutionally suspended. This is both unusual and troubling.

“If there was any genuine ambiguity regarding the scope of the appellate court’s order, the proper constitutional course would have been to return to the court for clarification rather than resort to an administrative interpretation capable of altering the practical balance between the parties.

“At a time when the nation is steadily approaching another electoral cycle, the confidence of citizens in the independence, competence, and impartiality of INEC is of utmost importance. Any action that gives rise to perceptions of confusion, bias, or self-help by the electoral umpire is deeply concerning for our democracy.