A fresh political storm is brewing as Opposition Watch Nigeria (OWN) has challenged the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Joash Ojo Amupitan, to publicly address allegations of receiving a prime land allocation from the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike.
In a strongly worded statement signed by its Media Coordinator, Aisha Bello, the group described the allegation as troubling and potentially damaging to the credibility of Nigeria’s electoral umpire.
The Core of the Allegation
OWN claims the alleged land allocation—said to be located in Abuja’s elite Asokoro District—was part of a deal to influence INEC’s stance in the leadership crisis rocking the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
According to the group, the inducement was intended to discourage recognition of the Turaki-led National Working Committee (NWC), while favouring a rival bloc allegedly aligned with the FCT Minister.
OWN further alleged that a discreet meeting between the INEC Chairman and the FCT Minister in December 2025 preceded the controversial decisions affecting the party’s internal structure.
Democracy on Trial
Describing the situation as a “test of institutional integrity,” OWN warned that any compromise within INEC would erode public confidence ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The group is demanding an open and independent investigation into the allegations, insisting that only a transparent process can restore public confidence. It also called for full public disclosure of relevant asset declarations, particularly those linked to Prof. Amupitan since his appointment as INEC Chairman.
OWN further urged the INEC Chairman to immediately clarify his position on the matter, stressing that silence could deepen suspicion and erode trust in the Commission. According to the group, resignation should not be ruled out if it becomes necessary to preserve the institution’s credibility and safeguard Nigeria’s democratic integrity.
“The sanctity of the ballot rests on the impartiality of the referee,” the statement declared.
Awaiting Official Response
As of press time, neither the INEC Chairman nor the FCT Minister has issued a formal response to the allegations.
With Nigeria’s political climate already tense, the coming days may determine whether this controversy fades—or deepens into a defining moment for the nation’s electoral integrity.
