By Fatima Ndagi
The House of Representatives Caucus of the African Democratic Congress has called for the removal and prosecution of the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission, Joash Amupitan, over alleged bias and compromised neutrality ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The caucus made the demand on Monday after its inaugural meeting in Abuja, citing what it described as “partiality, inconsistencies, and conflicting actions” by the electoral umpire.
Addressing journalists, the lawmakers expressed doubts over the ability of the INEC chairman to conduct free, fair, and credible elections, alleging that recent public statements and actions attributed to him suggest partisanship.
According to the caucus, allegations have surfaced linking Prof. Amupitan to a social media account on X (formerly Twitter), where he was said to have expressed support for the ruling All Progressives Congress and shared controversial content.
Although INEC has denied any connection between the chairman and the account, the lawmakers insisted that independent digital investigations suggest otherwise, raising concerns about his transparency and integrity.
“In light of these inconsistencies and concerns regarding impartiality, we call for the immediate removal of Prof. Amupitan and advocate for his prosecution to safeguard Nigeria’s democracy,” the caucus stated.
The lawmakers also accused INEC of undermining the ADC’s participation in upcoming elections by allegedly interfering in the party’s internal affairs. They claimed the commission was recognising a faction contrary to the leadership of David Mark, which they said had previously met all necessary requirements.
Further escalating their concerns, the caucus alleged collusion between INEC and elements within the judiciary to influence the outcome of an ongoing legal dispute over the party’s leadership.
They warned that such actions could prevent the ADC from fielding candidates in future elections, thereby weakening political pluralism and democratic competition.
Citing Section 83 of the Electoral Act 2026, the caucus emphasised that courts lack jurisdiction over internal party matters and should not entertain related suits or grant injunctions.
The lawmakers also announced plans to petition the National Judicial Council, calling for an investigation into what they described as politically exposed judicial officers.
Aligning with concerns raised by the Nigerian Bar Association and its president, Afam Osigwe, the caucus warned that growing perceptions of judicial compromise were eroding public confidence in the justice system.
They lamented what they described as a decline in judicial integrity, contrasting the current situation with past eras that produced respected jurists such as Chukwudifu Oputa, Niki Tobi, Kayode Eso, and Mohammed Uwais.
The caucus warned that Nigeria’s democracy faces serious risks if electoral and judicial institutions are perceived as compromised, urging stakeholders to prioritise transparency, fairness, and the rule of law ahead of the 2027 elections.
“INEC must not only be independent in name but must be seen to act with credibility and neutrality. Anything short of this threatens the foundation of our democracy,” the lawmakers said.
2027: ADC Reps Caucus Demands INEC Chair’s Removal, Prosecution
