ADC Reps Demand Prosecution, Removal of INEC Chairman

ADC Reps Demand Prosecution, Removal of INEC Chairman

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) caucus in the House of Representatives has called for the immediate prosecution and removal of the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission, Prof. Joash Amupitan, over allegations of partisanship, compromised neutrality, and actions capable of undermining the credibility of the 2027 general elections.

The lawmakers made their position known after an inaugural caucus meeting held on Sunday, April 12, 2026, where they reviewed recent political developments and expressed concern over what they described as declining public trust in Nigeria’s electoral umpire.

In a strongly worded resolution, the ADC legislators alleged that the INEC chairman had engaged in conduct inconsistent with the expectations of an impartial electoral official. They claimed that his actions and public expressions raised questions about his neutrality in the discharge of his constitutional duties.

A key allegation raised by the caucus is that the INEC chairman allegedly operated a personal X (formerly Twitter) account where he was said to have expressed political opinions perceived as supportive of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and made posts relating to sensitive national issues, including claims of religious persecution in Nigeria.

Although INEC has previously denied any connection between Prof. Amupitan and the account in question, the lawmakers insisted that online investigations and digital claims circulating in the public space warrant deeper scrutiny and official clarification.

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“The office of the INEC chairman is too critical to be tainted by allegations of partisanship,” the caucus stated, warning that failure to address the issue could erode confidence in the electoral process ahead of 2027.

The lawmakers further alleged that under Amupitan’s leadership, INEC has taken steps they consider prejudicial to the ADC, including what they described as recognition of a disputed internal leadership faction within the party. They argued that the commission’s actions interfere in internal party affairs and undermine its role as an independent electoral referee.

The caucus also raised concerns over an ongoing court case involving the ADC’s leadership dispute, scheduled for hearing on April 14, 2026, alleging possible undue influence and warning against what they described as judicial interference in party matters.

Citing provisions of the Electoral Act, the lawmakers argued that internal party disputes should not be subjected to external interference and urged strict adherence to constitutional and legal boundaries governing political party administration.

Beyond INEC, the ADC caucus also announced plans to petition the National Judicial Council (NJC), accusing some judicial officers of compromised conduct in politically sensitive cases. They called for investigations into alleged misconduct and possible disciplinary action where necessary.

The lawmakers referenced recent concerns raised by the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) leadership over judicial independence and alleged political influence, including the controversial practice of political figures making donations or gifts to judicial officers.

Describing the situation as an “existential threat” to Nigeria’s democracy, the ADC lawmakers urged Nigerians to defend democratic institutions and ensure accountability across all arms of government.

They also lamented what they described as a decline in judicial integrity, citing respected jurists such as Justice Chukwudifu Oputa, Justice Niki Tobi, Justice Kayode Eso, and Justice Mohammed Uwais as benchmarks for judicial independence and credibility.

Reaffirming their position, the caucus insisted that INEC must not only be independent in name but must demonstrate transparency, impartiality, and credibility in both perception and practice, warning that any erosion of trust could have serious consequences for Nigeria’s democratic stability.

ADC Reps Demand Prosecution, Removal of INEC Chairman