The caucus of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in the House of Representatives has called on President Bola Tinubu to immediately sack and prosecute the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof Joash Amupitan, over allegations of partisanship.
The demand was made public on Monday by the caucus leader, Afam Ogene, who expressed concerns over what he described as questionable actions and statements attributed to the INEC chairman ahead of the 2027 general elections.
According to Ogene, the neutrality and credibility of the electoral umpire are being called into question, raising fears about the conduct of free, fair, and credible elections in the country.
“The caucus raised concerns regarding the impartiality and neutrality of the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission, Prof Joash Amupitan, to oversee a free, fair, and credible 2027 general elections,” Ogene stated.
He alleged that recent public statements and activities linked to the INEC chairman suggest a partisan disposition, which could compromise the integrity of the electoral process.
One of the major allegations cited by the caucus involves a purported social media account on X (formerly Twitter), where Amupitan was allegedly said to have expressed support for the ruling party, the All Progressives Congress (APC). The chairman was also accused of sharing posts suggesting the existence of Christian genocide in Nigeria.
Although INEC has officially denied that the account belongs to Amupitan, Ogene claimed that independent digital forensic checks and online investigations suggest otherwise. According to him, findings indicate that the account may indeed be linked to the INEC chairman, including claims that the phone number used to register the account is tied to him.
“This has raised concerns regarding his transparency, integrity, and trustworthiness, particularly given the critical nature of the office he holds,” Ogene added.
The caucus stressed that such allegations, if left unaddressed, could erode public confidence in the electoral system and jeopardize Nigeria’s democratic stability.
“In light of these inconsistencies and concerns regarding impartiality and integrity, the House caucus hereby calls for the removal of Prof Amupitan from office and advocates for his prosecution, in order to safeguard the nation against an avoidable descent into undemocratic practices,” he said.
Beyond the allegations of partisanship, the ADC lawmakers also linked their demand to the ongoing leadership crisis within the party, accusing INEC of exacerbating internal divisions through its actions.
The caucus pointed to a dispute involving former Senate President, David Mark, whose position as the recognised leader of the ADC has reportedly been contested.
According to the lawmakers, INEC had initially recognised David Mark as the legitimate leader of the party after he met all necessary requirements. However, they alleged that the commission later withdrew that recognition and instead backed a rival faction led by Nafiu Bala Gombe.
The lawmakers argued that this reversal has deepened divisions within the ADC, triggering internal disputes and legal battles that could threaten the party’s ability to participate effectively in the 2027 elections.
“The caucus is gravely concerned about the ostensibly undemocratic action taken by INEC, under the leadership of Prof Amupitan, which appears to deny the ADC the opportunity to participate in the forthcoming elections,” Ogene said.
He further accused the electoral body of abandoning its role as an impartial arbiter and interfering in the internal affairs of the party.
“Specifically, the commission seems to be recognising an illegitimate leadership faction, contrary to the authentic leadership of Senator David Mark, which had previously been acknowledged and certified by INEC itself,” he added.
The caucus also raised serious allegations suggesting possible collaboration between certain officials within INEC and elements in the judiciary to influence the outcome of an ongoing legal dispute concerning the leadership of the ADC.
Ogene claimed that there were indications that efforts were being made to sway the outcome of a court case scheduled for April 14, 2026, which could ultimately determine which faction of the party would be officially recognised.
“We note that the commission, in collusion with certain elements within the judiciary, is actively working to undermine the aspirations of the ADC, thereby preventing the party from fielding candidates in the forthcoming elections,” he alleged.
He warned that such actions, if proven, would pose a serious threat to democratic governance and inclusivity in Nigeria.
Political observers say the allegations mark a significant escalation in tensions between the ADC and INEC, especially at a time when preparations for the 2027 general elections are gradually taking shape.
As of the time of filing this report, INEC has not issued a fresh response to the latest allegations raised by the ADC caucus, while the presidency is yet to react to the call for the chairman’s removal and prosecution.
The unfolding situation is expected to generate widespread reactions across the political landscape, as stakeholders weigh in on the implications for Nigeria’s democracy and electoral integrity.
