The Obidient Movement has demanded an immediate explanation from the Independent National Electoral Commission over the whereabouts and official engagements of its Chairman, Prof. Joash Ojo Amupitan, ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The demand followed the appearance of INEC National Commissioner, Prof. Rhoda Gumus, as Acting Chairman at a meeting with an African Union pre-election assessment mission in Abuja on Tuesday.
The Movement, in a statement issued on Wednesday by its Media and Communications Directorate, said the development raised questions because INEC had not publicly explained Amupitan’s absence or announced any formal handover of duties.
It demanded that the commission disclose Amupitan’s current location, official schedule and whether he remained actively performing his responsibilities as chairman.
“INEC cannot operate in secrecy,” the Movement said, asking the commission to state whether Amupitan had left Abuja, when he left and the official purpose of any trip.
It also demanded to know who authorised his absence and, if he travelled outside Nigeria, the meetings or official engagements he attended.
The group further asked whether Amupitan had met, or was scheduled to meet, President Bola Tinubu, the APC National Chairman or representatives of the ruling party.
According to the Movement, the questions were necessary because INEC is responsible for conducting Nigeria’s elections and its leadership must demonstrate transparency and independence as political activities intensify ahead of 2027.
The group also raised concerns over what it described as Amupitan’s alleged political antecedents and possible links to the APC, although it did not provide specific evidence in the statement to substantiate the allegation.
It urged INEC to provide clear information to dispel speculation and reassure Nigerians about the commission’s neutrality.
INEC’s official website identifies Amupitan as the commission’s chairman and states that he was sworn into office on October 23, 2025. Its official profile also lists Gumus as a National Commissioner.
The Obidient Movement maintained that INEC belongs to Nigerians and must remain accountable to the public.
“INEC must tell Nigerians where its chairman is and what he is doing,” the statement said.