The African Democratic Congress (ADC) caucus in the House of Representatives has demanded the removal and prosecution of Joash Amupitan, chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), over alleged bias and partisanship.
Speaking at a press conference on Monday, Afam Ogene,
lawmaker representing Ogbaru federal constituency of Anambra, said the caucus
passed the resolution on Sunday during its inaugural meeting in Abuja.
Ogene, who was flanked by his colleagues, alleged that
Amupitan’s conduct does not reflect impartiality or neutrality and has
compromised his ability to conduct free, fair, and credible elections.
The lawmaker dismissed INEC’s denial of allegations that
Amupitan operated a personal X account and used it to engage with partisan
content, adding that “digital forensic analysis and other online
investigations” confirmed the claim.
He said the controversy, if left unaddressed, could erode
public trust in the electoral body and jeopardise the credibility of the 2027
elections.
“The caucus raised concerns regarding the impartiality and
neutrality of the chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission,
professor Joash Amupitan, to oversee a free, fair, and credible 2027 general
elections,” Ogene said.
“In light of these inconsistencies and concerns regarding
impartiality and integrity, the caucus, on Monday, 13th April 2026, hereby
calls for the removal of professor Amupitan from office and advocates for his
prosecution, to safeguard the nation against an avoidable descent into
undemocratic practices.”
The opposition lawmakers faulted INEC’s derecognition of the
ADC leadership led by David Mark and described the electoral umpire’s decision
as “undemocratic”.
“The caucus is gravely concerned about the ostensibly
undemocratic actions taken by INEC, under the leadership of professor Amupitan,
which appear to deny the ADC the opportunity to participate in the forthcoming
elections,” Ogene said.
“This is being achieved through the perpetuation of a
leadership crisis within the party, whereby INEC has abdicated its
responsibility as an impartial arbiter and instead intervened in the party’s
internal affairs.
“Specifically, the commission seems to be recognising an
illegitimate leadership faction, contrary to the authentic leadership of
senator David Mark, which had previously been acknowledged and certified by
INEC itself, having met the requisite criteria, as evidenced by a recent
affidavit issued by the commission.”
Ogene said the caucus would petition the National Judicial
Council (NJC) to investigate alleged interference by judicial officers in the
ADC’s internal affairs.
The legislator warned that declining public trust in both
the judiciary and electoral institutions poses an “existential threat” to
Nigeria’s democracy.
“INEC must not only be independent in name but also
demonstrate impartiality, transparency, credibility, and trustworthiness in its
actions; however, current public perception suggests a disconnect from these
ideals,” Ogene added.
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