By Gabriel Ameh
📍Abuja | Media Report
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has dismissed calls for the resignation of its Chairman, Joash Amupitan, insisting that such demands are unconstitutional and a threat to the independence of the electoral body.
The Commission was reacting to demands by the African Democratic Congress (ADC), whose National Chairman, David Mark, had accused INEC of partisan bias and called for Amupitan’s removal during a press conference in Abuja.
In a statement signed by Chief Press Secretary Adedayo Oketola, INEC clarified that its actions regarding the ADC leadership dispute were strictly in compliance with a ruling of the Court of Appeal.
The Commission stressed that the appointment and removal of its Chairman and National Commissioners are governed by Section 157 of the 1999 Constitution, and not subject to the demands of any political party.
“The Chairman does not hold office at the pleasure of any political party or interest group. Any call for removal outside the constitutional process is a direct assault on the independence of the electoral umpire,” the statement noted.
INEC explained that its decision to remove the names of ADC leaders from its portal was taken to comply with court orders and avoid legal consequences, referencing past cases in Zamfara and Plateau states where disobedience of court judgments led to the removal of elected officials.
Court Orders and Party Crisis
The Commission reiterated that it is bound by the directive of the Court of Appeal to maintain the status quo ante bellum in the ongoing ADC leadership dispute.
It warned that recognising any faction or monitoring party activities could violate subsisting court orders, especially as the matter remains before the Federal High Court.
INEC also emphasised that it would not be drawn into internal disputes within political parties or act as a tool for resolving such conflicts.
Clarification on Voter Revalidation
The Commission further addressed concerns over its planned nationwide voter revalidation exercise, describing it as a routine administrative process aimed at improving the integrity of Nigeria’s voter register.
According to INEC, the exercise will:
Verify voter status
Address multiple registrations and transfers
Remove deceased persons from the register
Enhance the accuracy of electoral data
It stressed that the process is not targeted at any political party or region and will be conducted transparently nationwide.
Focus on Upcoming Elections
INEC reaffirmed its commitment to credible elections, noting that it is currently focused on preparations for the Ekiti and Osun off-cycle governorship elections scheduled for June and August 2026.
The Commission urged political actors to refrain from politicising its decisions, maintaining that all actions are guided by the Constitution, the Electoral Act 2026, and the rule of law.
