Dare Babalola
The Country Director of ActionAid, Andrew Mamedu, has called for the resignation of the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Professor Joash Amupitan, following the circulation of alleged past partisan social media engagements linked to him.
In a statement issued on Sunday, Mamedu said screenshots currently in circulation appear to show Amupitan “actively engaging in partisan political conversations” prior to his appointment as INEC chairman. According to him, one of the posts indicated support for a narrative aligned with the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), with the account reportedly stating that “victory is sure.”
Mamedu expressed concern over the electoral body’s response to the controversy, noting that INEC had denied ownership of the account attributed to Amupitan. He argued that the denial, “in the face of mounting digital evidence, raises more questions about his integrity than answers.”
“Even if this was done in a personal capacity as a private citizen before his appointment, and even though individuals are entitled to political opinions, the reality is that these actions occurred in the very immediate political environment of the 2023 general elections,” Mamedu stated. “That proximity is exactly why Nigerians now struggle with the perception of neutrality.”
The ActionAid director stressed that the credibility of Nigeria’s electoral system depends not only on actual neutrality but also on public confidence in the impartiality of its leadership.
He warned that the emergence of “credible and widely circulated evidence of past partisan alignment” has significantly eroded that trust.
“If the person entrusted with the electoral system is now facing credible and widely circulated evidence of past partisan alignment, then Bola Ahmed Tinubu must do the honourable thing – replace him,” he said.
Mamedu also called on the National Assembly of Nigeria to thoroughly investigate the matter, urging lawmakers to avoid what he described as a “pattern of rubber-stamping and avoidance.”
“Nigerians expect the National Assembly to interrogate this issue openly and decisively,” he said, insisting that accountability must be upheld in the interest of democratic integrity.
Addressing Amupitan directly, Mamedu maintained that the office of INEC chairman demands “unquestionable neutrality,” adding that while past political expressions may exist, the perception of bias is equally critical.
“The standard for this role is not just actual neutrality but perceived neutrality. That perception has now been seriously damaged. Hence, now is the time for you to do the needful – resign,” he stated.
He further urged religious leaders across the country to take a firm stand on issues of governance and accountability. According to him, this is a moment that calls for moral clarity and courage.
“While I applaud the various religious leaders who have been speaking up against bad governance, this is one of those times you must question justice and moral responsibility by speaking up firmly against this level of impunity,” Mamedu said.
“Call all your members to take a stand on the side of accountability.”
Reiterating his position, the ActionAid director concluded that, “in the face of all the evidence now before Nigerians, Prof. Joash Amupitan must go.”
The controversy surrounding the INEC chairman continues to generate debate over the integrity and independence of Nigeria’s electoral system, with calls for transparency and accountability growing louder.
