Dare Babalola
The caucus of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in the House of Representatives has urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to remove the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Joash Amupitan, citing concerns over alleged partisanship.
The position was announced on Monday in Abuja by caucus leader Afam Ogene following a meeting of ADC lawmakers.
He said recent developments surrounding the INEC chairman had raised doubts about the commission’s neutrality ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Ogene stated that allegations linking Amupitan to politically charged remarks on social media had triggered questions about his ability to act as an impartial electoral umpire.
While INEC has distanced the chairman from the account in question, the caucus insisted that independent findings circulating online suggest otherwise, thereby fuelling public distrust.
According to the lawmakers, the controversy has cast a shadow over the credibility of the electoral body, with implications for transparency and confidence in the democratic process.
They argued that, given the sensitive nature of INEC’s responsibilities, any perception of bias must be addressed decisively.
The demand for the chairman’s removal also comes amid an ongoing leadership dispute within the ADC.
The caucus accused INEC of worsening internal divisions by withdrawing recognition from former Senate President David Mark as the party’s leader and allegedly backing a rival faction led by Nafiu Bala.
Lawmakers maintained that the commission’s involvement in what they described as an internal party matter has deepened the crisis and could hinder the party’s ability to participate effectively in upcoming elections.
They further alleged that certain elements within both the electoral body and the judiciary were working in tandem to influence ongoing legal proceedings related to the party’s leadership tussle, a development they warned could undermine democratic principles.
Beyond the electoral commission, the caucus expressed unease over what it described as growing political interference in the judiciary.
It disclosed plans to petition the National Judicial Council to investigate judges accused of compromising their neutrality.
Referencing concerns earlier raised by Afam Osigwe, the president of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), the lawmakers warned that declining public trust in key democratic institutions poses a serious threat to Nigeria’s democracy.
They called on stakeholders, including civil society groups, the media, and legal professionals, to unite in defending the integrity of the electoral and judicial systems, stressing that urgent action is needed to prevent further erosion of public confidence.
