The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has dismissed demands for the resignation of its Chairman, Joash Amupitan, describing such calls as a violation of the Commission’s constitutional independence.
In a statement released Thursday night in Abuja, INEC’s Chief Press Secretary, Adedayo Oketola, said allegations of bias against the Chairman by political actors were unfounded and misleading.
The call followed the Commission’s compliance with a recent ruling of the Court of Appeal.
“INEC is a creation of the Constitution. The appointment, tenure, and removal of the Chairman and National Commissioners are strictly governed by law,” the statement read.
“The Chairman does not hold office at the pleasure of any political party or interest group.
”Any calls for removal outside the constitutional process are a direct assault on the independence of the nation’s electoral umpire.”
The commission explained that its decision to obey the appellate court ruling was necessary to avoid a repeat of past incidents in Zamfara and Plateau states, where elected officials lost their positions due to disobedience of court orders.
It added that ignoring directives from the Federal High Court could have jeopardised ongoing legal proceedings.
INEC also rejected claims that it is undermining Nigeria’s multi-party democracy.
It noted that it recently approved additional political parties including the Democratic Leadership Alliance, Nigeria Democratic Congress, and National Democratic Party—bringing the total number of registered parties to 22.
“INEC remains a neutral regulator, not a participant in political competition,” the statement emphasised.
On the planned nationwide voter revalidation exercise, the Commission clarified that the initiative predates Amupitan’s appointment and is purely administrative.
The exercise would be conducted across all Local Government Areas and polling units to verify voter records, eliminate duplicate registrations, and remove deceased persons from the register.
“Revalidation is essential to strengthen the integrity of the National Register of Voters.
“It is not targeted at any region, party, or demographic and will include robust digital options for voters, ” INEC said.
The Commission reaffirmed its commitment to preparations for upcoming off-cycle governorship elections in Ekiti (June 2026) and Osun (August 2026), warning against the politicisation of its administrative actions.
“Our allegiance is to the Constitution and the will of the Nigerian people. Calls for the resignation of Professor Amupitan are out of place,” it said.
The response from INEC followed calls by the African Democratic Congress (ADC) for the immediate resignation of Amupitan, accusing the Commission of partisanship and bias.
Speaking at a press conference in Abuja, ADC National Chairman David Mark said the party had lost confidence in the electoral body.
He alleged that INEC’s recent actions were unlawful and compromised democratic principles.
Mark further claimed that the Commission interfered in an internal party dispute and failed to properly comply with a Court of Appeal ruling, including withdrawing recognition of the party’s leadership.
He also accused the administration of Bola Tinubu of attempting to weaken opposition parties ahead of the 2027 general elections, describing the situation as part of a broader strategy to maintain political dominance despite ongoing national challenges.
The dispute highlighted growing tensions between INEC and opposition parties as preparations intensify for upcoming elections.
