Pressure Mounts for INEC Chairman Amupitan's Resignation Over Alleged APC Bias
Indications have emerged that the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Joash Amupitan, may be forced to resign due to escalating public criticism over his alleged partiality toward the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). The controversy has intensified following recent commission actions and the circulation of social media posts linked to Amupitan.
Allegations of Partisan Social Media Activity
Andrew Mamedu, Country Director of ActionAid, has called for Amupitan's resignation, citing alleged past partisan social media activity. Mamedu pointed to screenshots circulating online that appear to show Amupitan engaging in political conversations before his appointment, including posts suggesting support for APC-aligned narratives with messages like "victory is sure."
Mamedu expressed concern over INEC's response, particularly its denial of ownership of the social media account linked to the chairman. He argued that even if the posts were made in a personal capacity before Amupitan's appointment, their proximity to the 2023 general elections raises serious concerns about perceived neutrality. "While individuals are entitled to political opinions, these actions occurred within the immediate political environment of the 2023 elections. That proximity is exactly why Nigerians now struggle with the perception of neutrality," Mamedu stated.
INEC's Recent Actions Fuel Controversy
The controversy deepened when INEC recently rescinded the accreditation of Senator David Mark and Rauf Aregbesola as chairman and secretary, respectively, of the African Democratic Congress (ADC). This decision, reportedly based on the commission's interpretation of a Court of Appeal order, prompted the ADC leadership to call for Amupitan's immediate resignation, accusing him of evident bias in favor of the ruling party.
Following this, opposition coalition leaders submitted a letter demanding the INEC chairman's resignation, while Nigerians amplified allegations of bias and uncovered online evidence revealing Amupitan's past public statements endorsing President Bola Tinubu and supporting APC.
Amupitan's Defense and Public Reaction
In response, Amupitan, through his Chief Press Secretary/Media Adviser Adedayo Oketola, denied the allegations, calling them "entirely baseless, a total fabrication and a figment of the imagination of its purveyors." However, public debate continues over the partisan nature of the alleged social media posts and the commission's denials.
An X user, Olusegun Onigbinde, expressed reservations about INEC's response: "INEC still hasn't answered a basic question: how were its chair's email and phone linked to an account they now deny. Public trust is non-negotiable. Nigerians deserve clear evidence; not vague statements. Strengthen accountability or step aside, because democracy depends on it."
Calls for Due Process Amid Resignation Demands
Amid the growing calls for resignation, public affairs analyst and development consultant Victor Oluwafemi urged caution, describing the demands as premature and a risk to democratic stability. He emphasized that while accountability is central to democracy, the manner and timing of these calls raise questions about intent and consequences.
"It is important to critically examine whether such calls are grounded in verifiable institutional breaches or whether they reflect political positioning and reactionary pressure. The positions recently advanced by ADC and the Supreme Council for Shari'ah in Nigeria, if not exercised with caution, risk projecting a troubling precedent that leadership within critical national institutions can be influenced through public agitation rather than constitutional procedure," Oluwafemi added.
Constitutional and Political Implications
Section 157 of the Constitution stipulates that for an INEC chairman to be removed by the President, it must be supported by a two-thirds majority of the Senate for offences related to misconduct or inability to perform duties. Despite opposition parties and civil society organizations threatening mass action to press for Amupitan's resignation, it is unlikely that President Tinubu would initiate constitutional removal processes.
However, historical precedents suggest that if public pressure and mass actions persist, Amupitan could resign, similar to other public officers who faced similar situations. Mamedu stressed that the credibility of Nigeria's electoral system depends not only on actual impartiality but also on public confidence in its leadership, highlighting the high stakes of the ongoing controversy.
