By Ayomide Otitoju
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has dismissed calls for the resignation of its Chairman, Professor Joash Amupitan, describing such 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, said recent allegations of bias against the Chairman by political actors were unfounded. The criticisms followed the Commission’s decision to comply with a Court of Appeal ruling.
INEC emphasized that its leadership structure is guided strictly by constitutional provisions, noting that the appointment, tenure, and removal of its Chairman and National Commissioners are governed by law, not political interests.
“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,” the statement said.
The Commission explained that its compliance with the appellate court ruling was aimed at avoiding a repeat of past incidents in Zamfara and Plateau States, where elected officials were removed after disobedience to court orders. It added that disregarding a Federal High Court directive could have undermined ongoing legal proceedings.
INEC also rejected claims that it is undermining Nigeria’s multi-party system, highlighting its recognition of new political parties—including the Democratic Leadership Alliance, Nigeria Democratic Congress, and National Democratic Party—bringing the total number of active parties to 22.
On the planned nationwide voter revalidation exercise, the Commission clarified that the initiative predates the current Chairman’s appointment and is purely administrative. It said the exercise, to be conducted across all local government areas and polling units, is designed to verify voter records, eliminate multiple registrations, and remove deceased voters from the register.
INEC reiterated that the exercise is not targeted at any region, party, or demographic group, and will include digital options to enhance accessibility and transparency.
The Commission maintained that its priority remains preparations for the upcoming off-cycle governorship elections in Ekiti and Osun States in 2026, warning 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 out of place,” the statement added.
The development comes after the African Democratic Congress (ADC) called for the immediate resignation of the INEC Chairman, accusing the Commission of partisanship and undermining democratic principles.
Speaking at a press conference in Abuja, ADC National Chairman, David Mark, said the party had lost confidence in INEC, alleging that its recent actions violated legal and democratic norms. He further accused the administration of Bola Tinubu of attempting to weaken opposition parties ahead of the 2027 general elections.
