The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has dismissed calls for the resignation of its chairman, Professor Joash Amupitan, describing such demands as an attack on its constitutional independence.
In a statement issued on Thursday night in Abuja, Adedayo Oketola, chief press secretary to the commission, said recent allegations by political actors accusing the chairman of bias are unfounded. The remarks followed INEC’s decision to comply with a recent Court of Appeal ruling.
“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 said.
“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.”
INEC explained that its compliance with the Court of Appeal judgement was aimed at avoiding a repeat of situations in Zamfara and Plateau states, where elected officials lost their positions after the commission failed to obey court orders. It added that acting against directives of the Federal High Court could have disrupted ongoing legal proceedings.
The commission also rejected claims that it is undermining the multi-party system, pointing to the recent recognition of new political parties, including the Democratic Leadership Alliance, Nigeria Democratic Congress and National Democratic Party, bringing the number of active parties to 22. It stressed that “INEC remains a neutral regulator, not a participant in political competition.”
On the proposed nationwide voter revalidation exercise, INEC clarified that the initiative predates Amupitan’s appointment and is purely administrative.
The exercise, which will be conducted across all local government areas and polling units, is intended to verify voter records, address multiple registrations and remove deceased individuals from the register.
“Revalidation is essential to strengthen the integrity of the National Register of Voters,” the commission said. “It is not targeted at any region, party, or demographic and will include robust digital options for voters.”
INEC reiterated that it remains focused on preparations for upcoming off-cycle elections in Ekiti in June 2026 and Osun in August 2026, cautioning against politicising its administrative decisions.
“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 concluded.
The statement follows a demand by the African Democratic Congress (ADC) for the immediate resignation of the chairman, accusing the commission of bias and undermining democracy.
At a press conference in Abuja, ADC national chairman David Mark said the party had lost confidence in INEC, alleging that its recent actions were unlawful and in violation of democratic principles.
He also accused President Bola Tinubu’s administration of attempting to weaken opposition parties ahead of the 2027 elections, describing it as part of a broader effort to maintain dominance despite rising insecurity and economic challenges.