NNPP Scribe Accuses INEC Chairman of Incompetence Over Party Leadership Dispute

The National Secretary of the New Nigerian Peoples Party (NNPP), Sunday Ogini, has accused the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Joash Amupitan, of incompetence in handling issues relating to court judgments and party leadership disputes.

Ogini made the allegation on Wednesday while speaking during an interview on News Central Television.

According to him, the INEC chairman’s interpretation and handling of court rulings concerning the leadership crisis within the NNPP raise concerns about his competence as a legal scholar and electoral umpire.

He argued that valid court judgments had affirmed the leadership of the Bito Abu-led executive, in which he serves as National Secretary, but alleged that the commission had failed to act accordingly.

“Amupitan is not competent as a professor of law. The incompetence of Amupitan will cost us this democracy if we keep quiet,” Ogini said.

He explained that the faction secured judgments from courts affirming its leadership position in the party.

“This leadership tussle in the NNPP, we were able to secure valid court judgment that affirmed the leadership of the Bito Abu-led executive, which I am the secretary.

“We got that judgment at the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), and the Appeal Court in Owerri also confirmed us. Do you need to go to Harvard University to know that you, as the unbiased umpire, must obey court order and valid judgment?” he queried.

The NNPP chieftain further alleged that he had personally met with the INEC chairman to discuss the matter.

“Amupitan is incompetent. I am telling you here. I met him one on one. We discussed on this matter. I want Nigerians to know the incompetence of Amupitan today,” he added.

INEC has yet to respond to the allegations as of the time of filing this report.