The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has dismissed calls for the resignation of its Chairman, Professor Joash Amupitan (SAN), describing such demands as an attack on the body’s constitutional independence.
In a statement issued Thursday night in Abuja, INEC’s Chief Press Secretary, Adedayo Oketola, said recent public comments by political actors alleging bias against the Chairman are unfounded. The remarks followed INEC’s decision to comply with a recent Court of Appeal ruling.
“INEC is a creation of the Constitution. The appointment, tenure, and removal of the Chairman and National Commissioners are strictly governed by law,” the statement said.
“The Chairman does not hold office at the pleasure of any political party or interest group. Any calls for removal outside the constitutional process are a direct assault on the independence of the nation’s electoral umpire.”
INEC explained that it complied with the Court of Appeal judgment to prevent a repeat of incidents in Zamfara and Plateau States, where elected officials were removed after the Commission disobeyed court orders. It also noted that acting contrary to a Federal High Court directive could have undermined ongoing legal processes.
The Commission rejected allegations that it undermines the multi-party system, citing the recent recognition of new political parties—including the Democratic Leadership Alliance, Nigeria Democratic Congress, and National Democratic Party—bringing the total to 22 active parties. “INEC remains a neutral regulator, not a participant in political competition,” it stressed.
On the planned nationwide voter revalidation exercise, INEC clarified that the initiative predates Professor Amupitan’s appointment and is purely administrative.
The exercise, to be carried out across all Local Government Areas and Polling Units, aims to verify voter status, address multiple registrations, and remove deceased voters from the register.
“Revalidation is essential to strengthen the integrity of the National Register of Voters,” the Commission said. “It is not targeted at any region, party, or demographic and will include robust digital options for voters.”
INEC reiterated that its focus remains on preparing for upcoming off-cycle elections in Ekiti (June 2026) and Osun (August 2026), warning against politicizing administrative decisions.
“Our allegiance is to the Constitution and the will of the Nigerian people. Calls for the resignation of Professor Amupitan are out of place,” it concluded.
Call for Amupian’s resignation
The INEC statement comes after the African Democratic Congress (ADC) called for the immediate resignation of Chairman Professor Joash Amupitan, accusing the Commission of partisanship and undermining Nigeria’s democracy.
Speaking at a press conference in Abuja on Friday, ADC National Chairman David Mark said the party had lost confidence in the electoral body. He claimed that INEC’s recent actions were unlawful and violated democratic principles, alleging that the Commission sided in an internal party dispute and defied a Court of Appeal ruling by withdrawing recognition of the party’s leadership.
Mark further accused President Bola Tinubu’s administration of attempting to weaken opposition parties ahead of the 2027 elections, describing it as part of a broader strategy to ensure the ruling party remains the dominant political force despite growing insecurity and economic challenges nationwide.
