SERAP Urges National Assembly to Investigate Amupitan Over Alleged Partisan X Account
Socio-economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has called on the National Assembly to initiate a credible and impartial investigation into allegations that the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Joash Amupitan, operated an X account posting partisan support for the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). This demand was made in a statement issued on Monday, amid escalating controversy over an old X interaction from March 2023.
Background of the Allegations
During the Lagos State elections in March 2023, APC national youth leader Dayo Israel posted a boast about winning polling units in an "Igbo-dominated community" where the party had previously faced challenges. A reply from an account bearing Amupitan's name reportedly stated "Victory is sure." While Israel's original post was well-documented and widely reported at the time, the attribution of the reply to Amupitan remains disputed. INEC has previously dismissed such claims as fabrications and vowed to pursue those responsible for impersonation or spreading misleading material.
Critics, however, argue that digital footprints and the timing of account changes raise legitimate questions about neutrality. SERAP's call specifically references allegations of Amupitan posting partisan support for APC's Bola Tinubu, including the "Victory is sure" comment and anti-Obidient remarks from 2023.
Constitutional and International Basis for Investigation
SERAP invokes constitutional powers under Sections 88-89 of the Nigerian Constitution, which grant the National Assembly oversight functions to investigate public institutions. The organization also cites international human rights obligations under the African Charter on Human and Peoples' Rights and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, to which Nigeria is a state party. These treaties require prompt, credible, transparent, and effective investigations into such cases.
In its statement, SERAP emphasized: "We urge the National Assembly to exercise its constitutional oversight functions to conduct credible, impartial, transparent and effective investigations into the serious allegations reportedly made against the Chairman of INEC on his X account and the plausibility of the response by INEC to the allegations." The group argues that these allegations and INEC's response raise serious concerns about the integrity and impartiality of the electoral commission, potentially undermining public confidence in Nigeria's electoral process.
Importance of Electoral Integrity
SERAP stressed that the credibility of INEC is essential to the integrity and legitimacy of Nigeria's electoral process. Any allegations that may compromise this credibility must be thoroughly investigated. The organization added: "No public official or institution is above scrutiny, and the National Assembly has a constitutional duty to ensure that allegations of wrongdoing are not ignored or swept under the carpet."
The statement further noted that the independence and impartiality of INEC are prerequisites for free, fair, and credible elections in Nigeria. The Nigerian Constitution guarantees INEC's autonomy to ensure electoral decisions are made without undue influence or bias. SERAP pointed out: "Where doubts arise regarding the conduct or impartiality of those entrusted with overseeing elections, such concerns must be promptly and transparently addressed by the lawmakers, consistent with their constitutional oath of office."
Call for Transparency and Accountability
SERAP urged the National Assembly to be guided by due process in any investigation, ensuring full compliance with constitutional and international fair trial standards. The findings should be made public to restore and maintain public trust in the electoral process. Transparency in the outcome is deemed essential for ensuring accountability and reinforcing the integrity of Nigeria's electoral system.
Where sufficient admissible evidence of wrongdoing is found, SERAP emphasized that appropriate measures must be taken in accordance with the law to address any misconduct effectively. This investigation, according to SERAP, would serve legitimate public interest by exposing potential corruption, inefficiency, or abuse of office, thereby strengthening democratic institutions.
