ADC House Caucus Demands INEC Chairman's Removal Over Partisanship Claims
The caucus of the African Democratic Congress in the House of Representatives has issued a strong demand for President Bola Tinubu to dismiss and prosecute the chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission, Professor Joash Amupitan. This call comes amid escalating allegations of partisanship and compromised neutrality as the nation approaches the crucial 2027 general elections.
Serious Concerns About Impartiality
Caucus leader Afam Ogene publicly announced the group's position, expressing grave reservations about Professor Amupitan's ability to oversee free, fair, and credible elections. "The caucus raised concerns regarding the impartiality and neutrality of the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission, Prof Joash Amupitan, to oversee a free, fair, and credible 2027 general elections," Ogene stated emphatically.
He elaborated that recent public statements and actions by the INEC chairman have been widely perceived as compromising, partisan, and conflicted. These developments have sparked significant debate about the electoral body's leadership integrity at a critical juncture in Nigeria's democratic process.
Social Media Controversy and Denials
Ogene specifically alleged that Professor Amupitan had previously made partisan comments on social media platforms supporting the ruling party and shared controversial posts that directly question his objectivity. "Although INEC has denied that Prof Amupitan is the owner of the X account in question, digital forensic analysis and other online investigations by various sources suggest that the account is indeed his," the caucus leader revealed.
He emphasized that this discrepancy "has raised concerns regarding his transparency, integrity, and trustworthiness" among political stakeholders and the general public. The ADC caucus maintains that these inconsistencies fundamentally undermine confidence in electoral oversight mechanisms.
Call for Removal and Prosecution
"In light of these inconsistencies and concerns regarding impartiality and integrity... the House caucus... hereby calls for the removal of Prof Amupitan from office and advocates for his prosecution," Ogene declared with firm resolution. This represents one of the most direct challenges to INEC leadership in recent political history.
Connection to ADC Internal Crisis
The caucus further linked their demand to an ongoing leadership crisis within the African Democratic Congress itself. They accused INEC of exacerbating internal divisions following the commission's decision to withdraw recognition of David Mark as ADC leader.
"The caucus is gravely concerned about the ostensibly undemocratic action taken by INEC... which appears to deny the ADC the opportunity to participate in the forthcoming elections," Ogene explained. He characterized the situation as one where "INEC has abdicated its responsibility as an impartial arbiter and instead intervened in the party's internal affairs."
Allegations of Judicial Collusion
The ADC representatives leveled even more serious accusations, suggesting that the electoral commission was recognizing "an illegitimate leadership faction" within their party. Ogene warned of possible interference involving judicial actors, stating, "We note that the commission, in collusion with certain elements within the judiciary, is actively working to undermine the aspirations of the ADC."
He added that there were specific concerns about attempts to influence a court case regarding the party's leadership, raising questions about the separation of powers and institutional independence.
Planned Escalation and Petitions
The caucus outlined plans to escalate the matter through multiple channels. "We are vigilant and have concluded plans... to submit a petition... to ensure that politically exposed judicial officers... be made to undergo investigations and possible removal from the Bench," Ogene stated regarding their intention to petition the National Judicial Council over alleged judicial misconduct.
This comprehensive approach indicates the ADC's determination to address what they perceive as systemic threats to electoral integrity and party autonomy as Nigeria prepares for another significant electoral cycle.
