ADC Reps Demand INEC Chairman’s Removal Amid Growing Controversy
The House of Representatives caucus of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) has called for the prosecution and removal of the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Joash Amupitan, over allegations of bias and misconduct ahead of the 2027 general elections.
At a meeting in Abuja, ADC lawmakers expressed concerns about the neutrality of the electoral body, warning that recent developments could undermine public confidence in the democratic process. They accused the INEC chairman of engaging in partisan behaviour, including alleged activity on a social media account seen as supportive of the ruling party.
Although INEC has denied any connection between Amupitan and the account, the caucus insisted that there were digital links that raise serious questions about his credibility. The lawmakers argued that allowing him to oversee the 2027 elections could compromise transparency and fairness.
The caucus also accused INEC of interfering in the party’s internal affairs, particularly in a leadership dispute involving David Mark. They claimed the commission was recognising a rival faction instead of the leadership they consider legitimate.
In response to the controversy, the Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has urged the National Assembly to launch an independent and transparent investigation into the allegations, stressing that public trust in the electoral system must be protected.
INEC, however, dismissed screenshots and Artificial Intelligence-generated content circulating online as unreliable, insisting that only forensic evidence would be used to determine the authenticity of the claims. The commission said it has engaged security agencies and independent experts to investigate the matter.
Meanwhile, voices from across the political space have weighed in. Former presidential candidate Adewole Adebayo said if the allegations are proven, questions of integrity would arise and resignation may become necessary. Activist Mahdi Shehu also criticised the situation, describing it as damaging to public trust.
The Supreme Council for Shariah in Nigeria (SCSN) denied claims that it had directed Muslims to pray for the chairman’s removal, calling such reports false and misleading. However, it maintained that concerns over his conduct remain valid and should be addressed.
The caucus further revealed plans to petition the National Judicial Council (NJC) over what it described as possible judicial compromise in a pending court case related to the party’s leadership crisis.
As tensions continue to rise, stakeholders have warned that how the issue is handled could significantly impact confidence in Nigeria’s electoral system ahead of the next general elections.
