INEC Chairman Faces Resignation Calls After Ekiti 2026 Election
Jeremiah Baba Adamu, general overseer of Godspower and Miracles Ministry in northcentral Nigeria, has demanded the immediate resignation of Prof. Joash Amupitan, chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), over alleged rigging in the just-concluded 2026 Ekiti state governorship election. Adamu also cited irregularities in the Nasarawa North senatorial by-election, raising questions about INEC's credibility ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Allegations of Electoral Malpractice
In a statement posted on X (formerly Twitter) on Sunday, June 21, Adamu argued that if Amupitan cannot conduct a single-state election without allegations of fraud, he cannot be trusted to oversee elections across Nigeria's 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory in 2027. He specifically mentioned ballot box snatching by thugs in army uniform in Akwanga during the Nasarawa North senatorial election.
Adamu wrote: "Amupitan resign now or be sacked. Nigerians must insist that Tinubu APC replace Amupitan with a capable hand or NASS should carry out their oversight function and remove Amupitan immediately to avoid chaos and confusion in Nigeria in the future elections." He added: "Joash Ojo Amupitan bundled Abuja FCT Council election. Now he is bundling off cycle elections in Ekiti State Governorship election and Nasarawa State North Senatorial election where ballot boxes were snatched by thugs in Army uniform in Akwanga. It is unacceptable. Tinubu APC sack Amupitan INEC Chairman now and overhaul INEC. Enough is enough."
Previous Calls for Sack
Earlier, the Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC) also called for the immediate sack of the INEC chairman. Its executive director, Prof. Ishaq Akintola, stated that Amupitan cannot be trusted. The calls come amid broader concerns about INEC's ability to conduct free and fair elections, with critics pointing to incidents of violence and alleged manipulation.
Impact on 2027 Elections
Adamu's demand highlights growing distrust in INEC's leadership. He urged President Bola Tinubu's administration to replace Amupitan with a capable hand or risk chaos in future elections. The National Assembly is also called upon to exercise its oversight function. The controversy underscores the challenges facing Nigeria's electoral system as the country prepares for the 2027 general elections.
