ADC Intensifies Pressure Campaign for INEC Chairman's Resignation
The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has dramatically escalated its demands for the immediate resignation of Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) Chairman Prof Joash Amupitan, following renewed allegations questioning his political neutrality. The opposition party declared it will maintain continuous pressure through various channels until Amupitan vacates his position, citing what it describes as compromised institutional integrity.
Social Media Posts Spark Controversy
Fresh controversy erupted when archived social media posts allegedly linked to the INEC chairman surfaced online, containing content perceived as supportive of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. These digital records, reportedly from an X account bearing Amupitan's name, have triggered widespread public debate about potential political bias within Nigeria's electoral oversight body.
The allegations gained significant traction after US-based Nigerian academic Farooq Kperogi published a detailed column analyzing the posts, arguing they raise serious concerns about the commission's credibility and impartiality. Social media platforms have become battlegrounds for heated discussions, with citizens divided over both the authenticity of the posts and their potential implications for electoral integrity.
INEC Responds to Misinformation Concerns
In response to the growing controversy, Adedayo Oketola, Chief Press Secretary and Media Adviser to the INEC Chairman, issued warnings about misinformation circulating online. He cautioned against impersonators exploiting digital platforms to spread false narratives and emphasized the commission's commitment to conducting credible elections under Prof Amupitan's leadership.
"The public should rely only on verified communication channels from official INEC sources," Oketola stated, while reaffirming the electoral body's dedication to maintaining neutrality and transparency in all electoral processes.
ADC Spokesperson Issues Strong Warning
ADC National Publicity Secretary Bolaji Abdullahi described the allegations as profoundly troubling during an extensive media briefing. He emphasized that any perceived bias by electoral officials fundamentally undermines democratic principles and public trust in Nigeria's political system.
"In a functioning democracy, the electoral umpire must exist above any suspicion," Abdullahi declared. "He must not only maintain independence but must be seen, beyond reasonable doubt, to be completely independent. This represents the absolute minimum standard required for anyone entrusted with the sacred responsibility of conducting free and fair elections."
The spokesperson further alleged attempts to manipulate digital records related to the controversy, characterizing such actions as serious threats to accountability and transparency. "An individual who manipulates records to protect himself cannot possibly be trusted to safeguard the democratic mandates of millions of Nigerian voters," Abdullahi asserted.
Threat of Escalated Actions
The ADC has threatened to intensify its campaign through multiple avenues, including submitting detailed petitions to relevant national and international institutions. The party warned of potential civil disobedience measures should Prof Amupitan refuse to resign voluntarily.
"This situation demands Professor Amupitan's immediate resignation," Abdullahi stated emphatically. "Anything less constitutes a direct insult to the Nigerian people and establishes a dangerous precedent that could permanently damage our democratic foundations."
The opposition party vowed to maintain relentless pressure until what it describes as proper accountability and institutional integrity are fully restored within Nigeria's electoral commission, emphasizing that the matter transcends partisan politics and touches upon fundamental democratic principles.
