ADC Reps Caucus, Adebayo, Shehu Demand Amupitan’s Ouster and Prosecution
The House of Representatives caucus of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) has issued a strong demand for the prosecution and removal of the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Joash Amupitan. This call stems from allegations of partiality and inconsistencies that threaten to undermine the integrity of the upcoming 2027 general elections.
Concerns Over Electoral Neutrality
At its inaugural meeting in Abuja, the ADC lawmakers expressed deep concerns about INEC's neutrality, warning that recent developments could erode public trust in the democratic process. They alleged that Amupitan engaged in partisan conduct, including activity on a personal X account expressing support for the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and posts related to claims of Christian persecution in Nigeria. Although INEC has denied any link between the chairman and the account, the caucus insists that digital evidence ties the account to him, raising serious questions about his integrity and transparency.
Citing these issues, the caucus called for his immediate removal and prosecution, arguing that allowing him to oversee the 2027 elections could jeopardize democratic stability. They further accused INEC of interfering in the ADC's internal affairs by recognizing a faction they deem illegitimate, instead of the leadership led by Senator David Mark, which they claim had met all regulatory requirements.
SERAP Urges National Assembly Investigation
In response to the allegations, the Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has urged the National Assembly to exercise its constitutional oversight functions. SERAP called for credible, impartial, transparent, and effective investigations into the serious allegations against the INEC boss and the plausibility of INEC's response. They emphasized that the credibility of INEC is essential to the integrity of Nigeria's electoral process, and any allegations that may undermine this must be promptly and thoroughly investigated.
SERAP highlighted that under Sections 88 and 89 of the Constitution, the National Assembly has the power to conduct investigations into the conduct of public officials and institutions, including INEC, to expose corruption, inefficiency, or abuse of office.
INEC Dismisses AI and Screenshots as Evidence
INEC has dismissed Artificial Intelligence (AI) outputs and social media screenshots as unreliable evidence in the ongoing controversy. Lawrence Bayode, INEC's Director of Information and Communication Technology (ICT), stated during an interview on Channels Television that the commission would rely solely on verifiable and forensic evidence to determine the authenticity of the account and content circulating online. He disclosed that INEC has engaged security agencies and independent forensic experts to conduct a thorough investigation, reiterating that the allegations are false and part of a coordinated misinformation campaign.
Adebayo and Shehu Weigh In
Adding to the calls for action, the 2023 presidential candidate for the Social Democratic Party (SDP), Adewole Adebayo, and activist Mahdi Shehu have given reasons why Amupitan should resign. Adebayo, an international lawyer, emphasized that if the controversial X account is traced back to Amupitan after he denied it, it raises integrity concerns. He noted that if a prima facie case of dishonesty is established, resignation might be warranted.
Shehu, in a post on X, accused the INEC chairman of bias and misconduct, actions he described as damaging to public trust in the electoral body. He suggested that either President Bola Ahmed Tinubu (BAT) and Amupitan do not understand the gravity of the situation or they are testing Nigerians' patience, adding that BAT has remained silent on calls for the chairman's resignation.
Shariah Council Denies Mobilization Allegations
In another development, the Supreme Council for Shariah in Nigeria (SCSN) denied allegations circulating on social media that it directed Muslims to pray for Amupitan's removal. In a statement issued by its Secretary-General, Nafiu Baba Ahmad, the council described the claims as false and misleading, distancing itself from reports that it had threatened that elections would not hold if its demands were not met.
However, the SCSN reaffirmed its earlier position that the INEC chairman should either resign or be relieved of his duties, citing concerns over what it described as prejudicial views against Islam and Muslims. The council stated that its stance is based on concerns arising from Amupitan's actions and dispositions, not political bias.
Judicial and Civil Society Concerns
The ADC caucus also raised alarm over a coordinated effort involving elements within INEC and the judiciary to influence the outcome of a pending court case on the party's leadership crisis, scheduled for hearing on April 14, 2026. In response, they disclosed plans to petition the National Judicial Council (NJC) to investigate allegedly compromised judicial officers, aligning with concerns raised by the President of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Afam Osigwe, about political influence over the judiciary eroding public confidence.
They urged Nigerians, civil society groups, and the media to work collectively to safeguard the nation's democracy, stressing that INEC must demonstrate credibility, transparency, and impartiality in practice.
