The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has rejected calls for the resignation of its Chairman, Professor Joash Amupitan, describing the demands as an attack on the Commission’s constitutional independence.
In a statement issued Thursday night in Abuja, INEC’s Chief Press Secretary, Adedayo Oketola, dismissed recent allegations of bias against the Chairman as baseless. The criticism followed the Commission’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 read.
“The Chairman does not hold office at the pleasure of any political party or interest group. Any calls for removal outside the constitutional process amount to a direct assault on the independence of the nation’s electoral umpire.”
INEC explained that its compliance with the appellate court’s judgment was aimed at avoiding a repeat of past incidents in Zamfara and Plateau states, where elected officials were removed after the Commission failed to adhere to court orders. It added that acting contrary to a Federal High Court directive could have jeopardized ongoing legal proceedings.
The Commission also rejected claims that it is undermining Nigeria’s multi-party system. It pointed to its recent recognition of new political parties including the Democratic Leadership Alliance, Nigeria Democratic Congress, and National Democratic Party, which brings the total number of registered parties to 22.
“INEC remains a neutral regulator, not a participant in political competition,” the statement emphasized.
Addressing concerns over the planned nationwide voter revalidation exercise, the Commission clarified that the initiative predates Professor Amupitan’s appointment and is purely administrative in nature.
The exercise, to be conducted across all Local Government Areas and polling units, is intended to verify voter status, eliminate multiple registrations, and remove deceased individuals from the register.
“Revalidation is essential to strengthening the integrity of the National Register of Voters,” INEC stated. “It is not targeted at any region, party, or demographic group and will include robust digital options for voters.”
INEC reiterated that its priority remains preparations for upcoming off-cycle governorship elections in Ekiti (June 2026) and Osun (August 2026), cautioning against the politicization of routine administrative decisions.
“Our allegiance is to the Constitution and the will of the Nigerian people. Calls for the resignation of Professor Amupitan are misplaced,” the statement concluded.
Calls for Amupitan’s resignation
INEC’s response follows calls by the African Democratic Congress (ADC) for the immediate resignation of Professor 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 alleged that INEC’s recent actions were unlawful and in violation of democratic principles, claiming the Commission interfered in an internal party dispute and disregarded a Court of Appeal ruling by withdrawing recognition of the party’s leadership.
Mark also accused the administration of Bola Tinubu of attempting to weaken opposition parties ahead of the 2027 general elections. He described the situation as part of a broader effort to entrench the ruling party’s dominance despite ongoing security and economic challenges across the country.
