Group Urges INEC Chairman to Step Down Amid Neutrality Allegations
The Movement for Credible Elections (MCE) has publicly called for the resignation of the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Joash Amupitan, citing a severe crisis of confidence that threatens the integrity of the upcoming 2027 general elections. In a statement released by its Media Coordinator, James Ezema, MCE emphasized that its intervention is crucial to safeguarding Nigeria's electoral processes and restoring public trust in the electoral body.
Allegations of Partisanship and Digital Footprints
MCE highlighted recent allegations involving digital footprints that purportedly link Prof. Amupitan to partisan expressions favorable to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). These claims have raised significant questions about his neutrality, despite his reported denials. The group argued that these denials have failed to alleviate public concerns and have instead intensified demands for an independent verification process.
According to MCE, the controversy could escalate into legal and institutional challenges, potentially distracting INEC during the critical pre-election period. The organization suggested that identity verification systems, digital access logs, and other forensic tools should be employed in an independent investigation to determine the authenticity of the allegations.
Broader Concerns and Demands for Action
Beyond the immediate allegations, MCE expressed worry over a perceived pattern of actions by INEC that some stakeholders interpret as unfavorable to opposition political parties. To address these issues, MCE has demanded that Prof. Amupitan temporarily vacate his office. They propose a transparent and impartial probe conducted by an independent panel comprising judicial officers, digital forensic experts, and civil society representatives.
CAPPA Warns Against Money Politics and Vote-Buying
In a related development, Corporate Accountability and Public Participation Africa (CAPPA) has raised fresh concerns about the growing influence of money in Nigeria's electoral process. In a statement jointly issued by Board Chairman Auwal Musa Rafsanjani and Executive Director Akinbode Oluwafemi, CAPPA warned that vote-buying and the dominance of wealthy political actors pose a serious threat to credible elections.
CAPPA cautioned that if left unchecked, this trend could erode the legitimacy of the 2027 general elections, stressing that democracy should reflect the will of the people rather than the highest bidder. "The influence of money in politics has reached alarming levels," the organization noted. "Vote buying and the capture of democratic institutions by powerful interests are undermining citizens' confidence in the electoral process."
Police Vow to Combat Vote-Buying in Ekiti Election
Meanwhile, the police have pledged to arrest vote buyers and other criminals during the governorship election in Ekiti State scheduled for June 20, 2026. The Commissioner of Police in Ekiti, represented by the Command's spokesman, SP Sunday Abutu, made this announcement during a stakeholders' dialogue on credible elections organized by the International Press Centre (IPC) in Ado-Ekiti.
Abutu acknowledged that criminal elements often attempt to undermine electoral processes but assured that the police have strategies in place to prevent such activities. "We are going to be tough on vote-buying and trading. We will always have criminal elements, and that is why we have the police. They will try to beat our strategies, but we will deploy our forces to prevent that menace," he stated.
Stakeholder Engagement and Media Support
The dialogue, part of the 'EU-Support to Democratic Governance in Nigeria (EU-SDGN II), Component 4: Support to Media,' was organized by IPC in collaboration with the Centre for Media and Society (CEMESO) and sponsored by the European Union (EU). IPC Executive Director Lanre Arogundade explained that the programme is a five-year intervention aimed at supporting democratic governance and enhancing the media's role in Nigeria's electoral process.
During the event, Resident Electoral Commissioner for Ekiti, Bunmi Omosehindemi, emphasized the importance of voter education and proper accreditation processes for successful elections. Additionally, Director of the Journalism Clinic, Taiwo Obe, urged journalists to embrace Artificial Intelligence (AI) and continuously upgrade their skills to remain effective in the evolving media landscape.
Conclusion: A Call for Electoral Integrity
As Nigeria approaches the 2027 general elections, these developments underscore the critical need for transparency, neutrality, and robust measures against electoral malpractices. The calls for INEC chairman's resignation, warnings against money politics, and police commitments to combat vote-buying highlight a collective effort to ensure credible and fair elections that truly represent the will of the Nigerian people.
