ADC LAWMAKERS CALL FOR SACK, PROSECUTION OF INEC CHAIRMAN

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By: Balogun Ibrahim

The African Democratic Congress caucus in the House of Representatives has urged President Bola Tinubu to immediately dismiss and prosecute the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission, Prof. Joash Amupitan, over alleged partisanship ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The call was made public on Monday by the caucus leader, Afam Ogene, who presented the group’s resolution after a meeting in Abuja.

Ogene said recent actions and statements attributed to Amupitan have raised serious concerns about his ability to remain neutral in overseeing credible elections.

According to him, allegations suggest the INEC chairman made partisan comments on a personal X account in support of the ruling All Progressives Congress and shared content on sensitive national issues. Although INEC has denied any link between Amupitan and the account, Ogene claimed that digital investigations indicate otherwise, raising questions about his integrity and transparency.

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He said the caucus believes these concerns could undermine public confidence in the electoral process and called for Amupitan’s removal and prosecution to protect Nigeria’s democracy.

The demand comes amid an escalating leadership crisis within the ADC, which the lawmakers attributed to INEC’s actions.

At the centre of the dispute is the withdrawal of recognition of former Senate President David Mark as the party’s leader, despite earlier acknowledgment by the commission. The decision, along with the recognition of a rival faction led by Nafiu Bala, has deepened divisions within the party and sparked legal battles ahead of the 2027 elections.

ADC lawmakers accused INEC of interfering in the party’s internal affairs and abandoning its role as an impartial referee, warning that such actions could prevent the party from fielding candidates.

They also alleged possible collaboration between elements within INEC and the judiciary to influence ongoing legal proceedings related to the party’s leadership dispute.

Beyond INEC, the caucus expressed concern over alleged judicial interference in political matters and said it plans to petition the National Judicial Council to investigate judges accused of partisan conduct.

The group warned that it would escalate its response if necessary to safeguard democratic processes in the country.