The Action Alliance (AA) led by Kenneth Udeze has accused the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) of partiality and executive rascality in handling issues concerning the party. In a statement, the party's National Chairman, Barrister Kenneth Udeze, expressed concern over INEC's disregard for Court of Appeal judgments affirming the Udeze-led leadership. Udeze described INEC's actions as contemptuous and a threat to the credibility of the 2027 general elections.
According to Udeze, INEC is ignoring the authentic leadership of Action Alliance, instead engaging with an illegal faction. He cited Court of Appeal judgments in Abuja and Makurdi divisions, which affirmed Udeze as National Chairman and dismissed challenges against the party's National Convention. Udeze argued that INEC's preference for a Federal High Court judgment from Osogbo over the Court of Appeal judgments is a dangerous precedent and an act of executive rascality.
The Action Alliance has condemned INEC's planned World Press Conference, describing it as a "jamboree of bias" and an exercise in futility. The party stated that its exclusion from the conference is a clear indication of INEC's partisanship. Udeze emphasized that INEC's neutrality and independence are compromised, citing Section 287(2) of the 1999 Constitution, which mandates obedience to Court of Appeal judgments.
Udeze demanded that INEC immediately corrects the anomaly and demonstrates respect for the Rule of Law. He also called on INEC to withdraw recognition from impostors and give effect to the Court of Appeal judgments by recognizing and publishing candidates nominated by the Udeze-led National Executive Committee. The party warned that if INEC continues on this path, the 2027 elections will be compromised.
The Action Alliance stated that its leadership under Chief Udeze remains the authentic and lawful leadership, and will not be cowed or excluded by any jamboree. Udeze emphasized that a credible election cannot be built on a foundation of disobedience to the law. The party urged INEC to explain to Nigerians why it is choosing which court order to obey.
INEC Chairman, Prof. Joash Amupitan, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, has been accused of knowing that a Federal High Court cannot overrule the Court of Appeal. Udeze argued that Amupitan's actions are a contradiction to his professional obligations. The Action Alliance has called on stakeholders to demand a credible and transparent electoral process.
The controversy has raised concerns about the credibility of the 2027 general elections. The Action Alliance has urged Nigerians to be vigilant and demand accountability from INEC. The party emphasized that its fight for legitimacy and inclusion is crucial to ensuring a free and fair electoral process.
Key points
- Action Alliance accuses INEC of partiality and executive rascality
- INEC ignores Court of Appeal judgments affirming Udeze-led leadership
- Action Alliance demands INEC's respect for the Rule of Law and transparency
