By Our Correspondent

National News – The Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Joash Amupitan, has warned the African Democratic Congress (ADC) that defying a subsisting court order by holding its planned congresses and national convention could invalidate any future election victories by the party.

Amupitan issued the warning on Friday during an interview on Arise TV, stressing that INEC’s decision to withhold recognition of the party leadership linked to former Senate President David Mark and former Osun State Governor Rauf Aregbesola was based on an existing court order.

According to him, the electoral body did not act arbitrarily but followed legal directives currently before the courts.

Explaining what led to the warning, Amupitan said the court had instructed the parties involved in the dispute not to take any action that might undermine ongoing legal proceedings.

Amupitan emphasised how defying the court could affect elections, citing past precedents.

He referenced a similar situation in Zamfara State where failure to comply with court directives led to the nullification of election results.

In that case, the candidate with the second-highest number of votes was eventually declared the winner.

He also mentioned the experience in Plateau State, where non-compliance with legal orders had serious consequences for political parties and their candidates.

The INEC chairman warned that conducting congresses or conventions while a related court motion is still pending could render the party’s actions invalid.

According to him, the motion asking that such political gatherings be halted has not yet been determined by the court.

While acknowledging that the ADC has the right to decide its course of action, Amupitan stressed that INEC would not allow itself to be dragged into avoidable electoral crises again.

He urged political actors to respect the judicial process and wait for the court’s final ruling before taking further steps.