A Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Chief Ben Uzuegbu, has leveled fresh allegations against the chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission, Prof. Joash Ojo Amupitan, accusing him of partisan conduct. Uzuegbu also expressed grave doubts about the commission's ability to conduct credible elections in 2027.
The Onitsha-based legal luminary made these remarks in an exclusive interview with Legit.ng, intensifying calls from various Nigerians for Amupitan's resignation. Critics allege that the INEC chairman has shown bias toward the ruling All Progressives Congress, stemming from his previous role as the party's lead counsel during the 2023 presidential election petition.
Uzuegbu: Amupitan Has Changed
Chief Uzuegbu, who described Amupitan as a former close colleague, stated: "I must be honest with you that it is not Prof. Amupitan that I used to know who is in INEC now. I had a very close relationship with him. He is top-notch, but something happened to him immediately he joined INEC. He changed automatically."
He cited specific instances: "When the Appeal Court said 'Status quo ante bellum,' how could Amupitan, a prominent lawyer, interpret it to mean that the names of all ADC executives under David Mark should be removed from the INEC portal? I'm sure Prof. Amupitan knows more than this. So, something went wrong."
Uzuegbu also pointed to the recognition of a faction of the PDP loyal to Nyesom Wike, despite court orders sacking them. "When the court sacked PDP executives loyal to Wike, including the National Secretary, they went ahead to organize congresses, and the INEC boss recognized them. This is why I said it is not the Amupitan I knew that is in INEC now."
Calls for Resignation
The senior advocate joined those demanding Amupitan's resignation to preserve his reputation. "Since he assumed office, he has not been behaving like a man who will be impartial. No lawyer in his right senses will support the activities of Prof. Amupitan in INEC. If he continues this way, he would definitely derail the electoral system."
Uzuegbu added: "As a co-Senior Advocate of Nigeria, if I were him, I would throw in the towel and save my reputation. He has been supporting APC, and he once said that APC ought to be the party in power. So, if his interest is in APC, he ought not be the electoral umpire."
Doubts Over 2027 Credibility
When asked whether Nigeria could hold credible elections in 2027, Uzuegbu responded: "No way!" He explained: "From the system that is on the ground, the APC is now in charge of INEC, Police, Army, and trying to make inroads into the judiciary. So, if APC could have all these, I do not see free and credible elections in 2027."
Pressure on Amupitan has also intensified following alleged screenshots circulated on X showing a verified account in his name praising the APC during the 2023 elections.
Amupitan's Assurance to Ekiti
Previously, INEC Chairman Prof. Joash Amupitan assured Ekiti voters that their votes would count in the June 20 governorship election. During a readiness visit, he presented the Register of Voters to political parties and warned that vote buying remains a criminal offense under the Electoral Act.
